Carbonate apatite coating on titanium induced rapidly by precalcification

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Chemistry
• Surface Science

Background:

• Titanium's bioactivity is crucial for orthopedic and dental implants.
• Chemical treatments offer potential for enhancing titanium's biological performance.
• Precalcification strategies are explored to improve osseointegration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of precalcification using boiling saturated calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solution on titanium bioactivation.
• To analyze the characteristics of the precipitated layer and propose a formation mechanism.

Main Methods:

• Titanium samples were precalcified in boiling saturated Ca(OH)2 solution.
• Samples were subsequently soaked in a supersaturated calcium-phosphate (SCP) solution.
• Surface characterization employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Main Results:

• Rapid precipitation of calcium phosphate onto titanium surfaces occurred within three days.
• An uniform apatite layer, several micrometers thick, was observed.
• The coating was identified as Ca-deficient carbonate apatite, composed of small crystal grains.

Conclusions:

• Precalcification in Ca(OH)2 solution effectively promotes rapid apatite layer formation on titanium.
• The study proposes a thermodynamic and kinetic mechanism for apatite precipitation.
• This approach shows promise for enhancing the bioactivity of titanium materials.