Surface Structuring via Additive Manufacturing to Improve the Performance of Metal and Polymer Joints

In order to enhance the joint performance of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy (TC4) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for biomedical applications, different structures were fabricated on TC4 surfaces via electron beam melting (EBM) method in this study. Macromorphologies microinterfaces TC4–UHMWPE joints produced hot pressing technique carefully characterized analyzed. The effects surface mechanical properties fractured investigated compared. Strong direct bonding (1751 N) between UHMWPE was achieved. interfacial behavior further discussed. This study demonstrates importance combining macro- micromechanical interlocking, which is a promising strategy improving metal–polymer performance. It also provides guidance metal structuring from both theoretical practical perspectives.