The process of magnesium ion modification of titanium surface and the sustained-release of magnesium ions from its surface.

This study explored modification of an alkaline heat treated titanium surface, using magnesium ions, to improve bone compatibility through the sustained release of magnesium ions. Pure titanium surface was first subjected to alkaline treatment using 5 M NaOH then modified with magnesium through immersion in magnesium chloride solution before heating in a furnace at 600°C for 1 h. Use of at least 0.01 M magnesium chloride solution for at least 0.5 min, leads to introduction of 1.7 to 2.3 at% magnesium at a distribution close to saturation on the titanium surface. The modified titanium surface sustained long term release of magnesium ions in acidic solution for more than 168 h. It was further demonstrated that the process of sustained release of magnesium ions is influenced by pH and can be triggered by lowering it from neutral to 3.