Abstract

Metal objects are treated by anodising the metal object in contact with an aqueous electrolyte, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage. The anodising is performed in two stages, firstly to passivate with the formation of an oxide layer, and secondly to form regions in the oxide layer having a higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, for example pits or caps, in this oxide layer. The second stage of anodising is performed by applying a multiplicity of voltage cycles, each voltage cycle involving ramping the voltage between a lower threshold voltage and an upper threshold voltage, and then returning to the lower threshold voltage. The reversed voltage step forms a hydrous metal oxide in the regions of higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, and the oxide layer and hydrous metal oxide together constitute a surface layer which is integral with the metal object, and has ion exchange capacity. After the reversed voltage step the metal object is then contacted with a bio-effective material such as a biocidal metal, which is absorbed into the surface of the metal object. The processing time may be reduced by applying the multiple voltage cycles. The invention also provides a treated metal object which can be prepared by treating a metal object having a micro-rough surface according to the method described above.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61L 27/54 - Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances
• A61L 27/06 - Titanium or titanium alloys
• A61L 27/50 - Materials characterised by their function or physical properties
• A61L 27/04 - Metals or alloys
• C25D 11/02 - Anodisation
• C25D 11/34 - Anodisation of metals or alloys not provided for in groups

Abstract

Metal objects are treated by anodising the metal object in contact with an aqueous electrolyte, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage. The anodising is performed in two stages, firstly to passivate with the formation of an oxide layer, and secondly to form regions in the oxide layer having a higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, for example pits or caps, in this oxide layer. The second stage of anodising is performed by applying a multiplicity of voltage cycles, each voltage cycle involving ramping the voltage between a lower threshold voltage and an upper threshold voltage, and then returning to the lower threshold voltage. The reversed voltage step forms a hydrous metal oxide in the regions of higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, and the oxide layer and hydrous metal oxide together constitute a surface layer which is integral with the metal object, and has ion exchange capacity. After the reversed voltage step the metal object is then contacted with a bio-effective material such as a biocidal metal, which is absorbed into the surface of the metal object. The processing time may be reduced by applying the multiple voltage cycles. The invention also provides a treated metal object which can be prepared by treating a metal object having a micro-rough surface according to the method described above.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61L 27/04 - Metals or alloys
• A61L 27/06 - Titanium or titanium alloys
• A61L 27/50 - Materials characterised by their function or physical properties
• A61L 27/54 - Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances

Abstract

Metal objects are treated by anodizing (P, SE) the metal object in contact with an acidic solution, and then subjecting the anodized metal object to a reversed voltage (VR). The anodizing is performed in two stages, firstly to passivate (P) with the formation of a surface layer, and secondly to form pits in this surface layer (SE). The second stage (SE) of anodizing is performed at a lower voltage than the first stage (P). After the reversed voltage step (VR) the metal object is then contacted with a biocidal metal-containing solution. Biocidal metal is absorbed into the surface of the metal object, resulting in improved biocidal properties. The lower voltage of the second stage anodizing (SE) results in reduced processing time.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25D 11/26 - Anodisation of refractory metals or alloys based thereon
• C25D 11/24 - Chemical after-treatment
• C23C 28/00 - Coating for obtaining at least two superposed coatings either by methods not provided for in a single one of main groups , or by combinations of methods provided for in subclasses and
• A61L 31/02 - Inorganic materials
• A61L 31/08 - Materials for coatings
• A61L 31/16 - Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances

Goods & Services

Orthopaedic implants, prosthetic implants, and surgical implants, all provided with coatings of ceramic or metal; orthopaedic implants, prosthetic implants, and surgical implants with anti-microbial coatings. Surface treatment of orthopaedic implants, prosthetic implants, and surgical implants by depositing coatings of ceramic or of metal; surface treatment of orthopaedic implants, prosthetic implants, and surgical implants by depositing coatings with anti-microbial properties.

Goods & Services

[ Implants consisting of artificial materials, namely, orthopaedic implants, prosthetic implants, and surgical implants, all provided with coatings of ceramic or metal containing silver; implants consisting of artificial materials, namely, orthopaedic implants, prosthetic implants, and surgical implants with anti-microbial coatings containing silver ] Surface treatment of orthopaedic implants, prosthetic implants, and surgical implants by depositing coatings of ceramic or of metal containing silver; surface treatment of orthopaedic implants, prosthetic implants, and surgical implants by depositing coatings with anti-microbial properties containing silver

Abstract

In a process for anodizing a metal object (12), the metal object (12) is contacted with an anodizing electrolyte (32), and is first pre-anodized so as to grow a thin oxide film on the surface. The microscopic surface area is then deduced from electrical measurements either during pre-anodizing or on the pre-anodized surface. The metal object (12) can then be anodized. This is applicable when treating an implant to provide a surface that has the ability to incorporate biocidal material such as silver ions. The pre-anodizing uses a low voltage, for example no more than 2. V, and may take less than 120 seconds.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25D 11/16 - Pretreatment
• C25D 21/12 - Process control or regulation
• C25D 11/02 - Anodisation

Abstract

Metal implants (10) are treated by anodising the surface (11, 12) in contact with an electrolyte, and then briefly subjecting the anodised surface to a reversed voltage. During a first anodising stage the surfaces are passivated, while during a subsequent anodising stage pits are formed in the passivating surface layer. Rough portions (15) of the surface, in particular portions produced by plasma spraying of metal powder, are sealed with a watertight cover (20) during at least part of the anodising process. After rinsing, biocidal metal ions are subsequently absorbed into the surface of the implant. This provides the implant with biocidal properties. The use of the cover (20) enables a more uniform geometric distribution of biocidal metal ions to be achieved.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25D 5/02 - Electroplating of selected surface areas
• A61L 27/04 - Metals or alloys
• C25D 11/02 - Anodisation
• A61L 27/54 - Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances
• C25D 11/26 - Anodisation of refractory metals or alloys based thereon
• A61F 2/30 - Joints

Abstract

A method of applying a coating to a substrate material (30) for use as a composite body wherein the material is a polymer or a ceramic, which method comprises plasma spraying a powder such as zirconia or titania onto the substrate material to form an initial layer (32). Coatings of other materials such as titanium metal (34) or hydroxyapatite (36) can subsequently be deposited directly or indirectly onto the initial layer (32). The initial layer (32) avoids problems of poor adhesion.

IPC Classes  ?

• C04B 41/89 - Coating or impregnating for obtaining at least two superposed coatings having different compositions
• A61L 27/30 - Inorganic materials

Abstract

In a process for anodising a metal object (12), the metal object (12) is contacted with an anodising electrolyte (32), and is first pre-anodised so as to grow a thin oxide film on the surface. The microscopic surface area is then deduced from electrical measurements either during pre-anodising or on the pre-anodised surface. The metal object (12) can then be anodised. This is applicable when treating an implant to provide a surface that has the ability to incorporate biocidal material such as silver ions. The pre-anodising uses a low voltage, for example no more than 2. V, and may take less than 120 seconds.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25D 11/16 - Pretreatment
• C25D 21/12 - Process control or regulation
• C25D 11/02 - Anodisation

Abstract

Metal objects are treated by anodising (P, SE) the metal object in contact with an acidic solution, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage (VR). The anodising is performed in two stages, firstly to passivate (P) with the formation of a surface layer, and secondly to form pits in this surface layer (SE). The second stage (SE) of anodising is performed at a lower voltage than the first stage (P). After the reversed voltage step (VR) the metal object is then contacted with a biocidal metal-containing solution. Biocidal metal is absorbed into the surface of the metal object, resulting in improved biocidal properties. The lower voltage of the second stage anodising (SE) results in reduced processing time.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25D 11/26 - Anodisation of refractory metals or alloys based thereon
• A61L 31/02 - Inorganic materials
• A61L 31/08 - Materials for coatings
• A61L 31/16 - Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances

Abstract

Metal implants (10) are treated by anodising the surface (11, 12) in contact with an electrolyte, and then briefly subjecting the anodised surface to a reversed voltage. During a first anodising stage the surfaces are passivated, while during a subsequent anodising stage pits are formed in the passivating surface layer. Rough portions (15) of the surface, in particular portions produced by plasma spraying of metal powder, are sealed with a watertight cover (20) during at least part of the anodising process. After rinsing, biocidal metal ions are subsequently absorbed into the surface of the implant. This provides the implant with biocidal properties. The use of the cover (20) enables a more uniform geometric distribution of biocidal metal ions to be achieved.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25D 5/02 - Electroplating of selected surface areas
• C25D 11/02 - Anodisation
• C25D 11/26 - Anodisation of refractory metals or alloys based thereon
• A61L 27/00 - Materials for prostheses or for coating prostheses

Goods & Services

Orthopaedic implants, prosthetic implants, and surgical implants, all provided with coatings of ceramic or metal. Surface treatment of orthopaedic implants, prosthetic implants, and surgical implants by depositing coatings of ceramic or of metal.

Goods & Services

Surface treatment of orthopaedic implants, prosthetic implants, and surgical implants by depositing, by plasma spraying or electrodeposition, coatings of ceramic or of metal

Abstract

Metal objects are treated by anodising (P, SE) the metal object in contact with an acidic solution, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage (VR). The anodising is performed in two stages, firstly to passivate (P) with the formation of a surface layer, and secondly to form pits in this surface layer (SE). The second stage (SE) of anodising is performed at a lower voltage than the first stage (P). After the reversed voltage step (VR) the metal object is then contacted with a biocidal metal-containing solution. Biocidal metal is absorbed into the surface of the metal object, resulting in improved biocidal properties. The lower voltage of the second stage anodising (SE) results in reduced processing time.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25D 11/26 - Anodisation of refractory metals or alloys based thereon
• A61L 27/04 - Metals or alloys

Abstract

Metal objects are treated by anodising the metal object in contact with an acidic solution, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage (compared to the anodising voltage). The thus-treated metal object is then contacted with a biocidal metal-containing solution. Biocidal metal is deposited on the surface of the metal object, resulting in improved biocidal properties.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25D 11/26 - Anodisation of refractory metals or alloys based thereon
• A61L 27/02 - Inorganic materials
• A61L 27/54 - Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances
• A61L 27/50 - Materials characterised by their function or physical properties
• A61F 2/30 - Joints
• A61B 17/064 - Surgical staples
• A61F 2/32 - Joints for the hip
• A61F 2/28 - Bones
• A61B 17/68 - Internal fixation devices

Abstract

Metal objects are treated by anodising the metal object in contact with an acidic solution, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage (compared to the anodising voltage). The thus- treated metal object is then contacted with a biocidal metal-containing solution. Biocidal metal is deposited on the surface of the metal object, resulting in improved biocidal properties.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25D 11/26 - Anodisation of refractory metals or alloys based thereon
• A61L 27/16 - Macromolecular materials obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds

Goods & Services

Orthopaedic implants; prosthetic implants. A service of treating the surface of orthopaedic implants and of prosthetic implants.

Goods & Services

Orthopedic joint implants; orthopedic bone implants composed of artificial materials; prosthetic and filling materials, namely, artificial materials for use in the replacement of bones; parts and fittings of the aforesaid goods Custom manufacturing of orthopaedic bone implants or orthopaedic joint implants and prosthetics for bones and/or joints, namely, treating the surface of orthopaedic and prosthetic implants by deposition, anodizing, electrostatic spray coating, dip coating or plasma spraying; consultancy, information and advisory services relating to the aforesaid services

Abstract

A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer is grown by anodizing at a voltage between 50 and 150 V, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. This produces a significantly harder surface than anodizing at low voltage, and generates pits containing ion-absorbing material.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61L 27/06 - Titanium or titanium alloys
• A61L 27/30 - Inorganic materials
• A61L 27/32 - Phosphorus-containing materials, e.g. apatite
• A61L 27/54 - Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances
• C23C 28/04 - Coating for obtaining at least two superposed coatings either by methods not provided for in a single one of main groups , or by combinations of methods provided for in subclasses and only coatings of inorganic non-metallic material
• C25D 11/26 - Anodisation of refractory metals or alloys based thereon
• A61L 27/04 - Metals or alloys
• A61L 27/56 - Porous or cellular materials