Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of case hardening a Group IV metal or a Group IV metal alloy and to components hardened in the method. The method comprising the steps of: providing a workpiece of a Group IV metal or a Group IV metal alloy, the workpiece being in its final shape; nitriding the workpiece in a nitriding atmosphere comprising NHs as a nitriding species at a first temperature in the range of 450° C. to 750° C. for a nitriding duration of at least 16 hours to provide a hydrogen containing diffusion zone; removing hydrogen from the hydrogen containing diffusion zone at a second temperature of up to 750° C. and a partial pressure of H2 of up to 10?4 mbar over a hydrogen removal duration of at least 4 hours to provide a hydrogen depleted diffusion zone. The method and the component are useful for implants, in particular dental implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating, a substrate, a method for coating a body and a method for producing the body substrate, such as a dental or a bone implant. The coating has a high degree of mechanical stability and comprises elements, such as Sr based compounds, which optimize the tissue response to the implanted body thus stimulating healing, bone or tissue growth in the vicinity of the implant. An implant coated with this coating has the ability of sustained release of strontium in a non-toxic concentration of strontium in the vicinity of the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating, a substrate, a method for coating a body and a method for producing the body substrate, such as a dental or a bone implant. The coating has a high degree of mechanical stability and comprises elements, such as Sr based compounds, which optimize the tissue response to the implanted body thus stimulating healing, bone or tissue growth in the vicinity of the implant. An implant coated with this coating has the ability of sustained release of strontium in a non-toxic concentration of strontium in the vicinity of the implant.