Preparation of bone-like apatite coating on surface of Ti-25Nb-2Zr alloy by biomimetic growth method

Abstract

A bone-like apatite layer consisting of nano-crystals of apatite phase was prepared on the surface of Ti-25Nb-2Zr alloy by chemical biomimetic growth method. TiNbZr alloy specimens were first oxidized at 500 °C for 2 h in the air. Then, they were immersed in 40 °C saturated Na₂HPO₄ solution for 15 h and 25 °C saturated Ca(OH)₂ solution for 8 h in turn for pre-calcification. The pre-calcified specimens were immersed in modified simulated body fluid up to 15 d for biomimetic growth. After common oxidization, amorphous titania and anatase were detected on the specimen surface. Except for the substantial amount of calcium and phosphorus, no new phase appeared on the pre-calcified specimens. After the coating process, it was found that the (002) orientation was the preferred orientation during the growing period of hydroxyapatite. The inorganic composition and structure of the coating are very similar to those of human thigh bone, which will be advantageous for its application as biomedical material.

Keywords

titanium alloy / oxidization / biomimetic growth method / apatite coating

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