The plasma oxynitriding process is a prospective method of producing titanium oxides as an integral part of a diffusive nitrided surface layer on titanium implants. This hybrid process, which combines glow discharge assisted nitriding and oxidizing, permits producing TiO2 + Ti2N + alpha Ti(N)-type diffusive surface layers. The oxynitrided surface layers improve the corrosion and wear resistance of the substrate material. Additionally, the nanocrystalline titanium oxide TiO2 (rutile) improves the biological properties of titanium and its alloys when in contact with blood, whereas the TiN +Ti2N+ alpha Ti(N) zone eliminates the effect of metalosis. (C) 2014 Elsevier BY. All rights reserved.