Calcium-ion incorporation into titanium surfaces accompanied by electrochemical apatite-deposition

The depths of calcium-ion incorporation into a commercially pure titanium and an experimental beta-type titanium alloy were determined using Auger electron spectroscopy. After the electrochemical deposition of apatite, new compositional gradients appeared in the profiles in which the Ca and P concentrations gradually decreased as a function of the depth up to 6-8 nm. The relative concentration of Ca in the outermost layer was higher than that of P. On the other hand, after the soaking in a simulated body fluid, the relative concentration of P was higher than that of Ca in the outermost layer. These results suggested that Ca ions were well incorporated into the outermost oxide layer of titanium accompanied by the electrochemical apatite-deposition on its surface.