Application research of plasma-enhanced electrochemical surface ceramic-coating technology on titanium implants

Plasma electrochemical surface ceramic coating (PECC) is an enhanced electrochemistry technique accomplished by means of plasma arc discharge in an electrolyte medium obtain coating structures on valve-metal surfaces. Oxide films of titanium obtained by PECC in the electrolyte of sodium phosphate were investigated. The film was composed mainly of TiO2 in the form of anatase and rutile and enriched with Na and P elements on their surfaces. Their apatite-inducing ability was also evaluated in a simulated body fluid (SBF). When immersed in SBF for over 30 days, an oriented hydroxy-carbonate-apatite was induced on the surface of the films, which suggests the PECC-treated titanium has the promising positive biological response.