Bioactive titanate nanomesh layer on the Ti-based bulk metallic glass by hydrothermal–electrochemical technique

Titanate nanomesh layers were fabricated on Ti-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) to induce bioactivity in the form of apatite-forming ability. Titanate nanomesh layers were prepared by hydrothermal–electrochemical treatment at 90 °C for 2 h, with an aqueous solution of NaOH as an electrolyte. A constant electric current of 0.5 mA cm−2 was applied between the BMG substrate and a Pt electrode acting as the anode and cathode, respectively. A nanomesh layer, consisting of nanowires (∼20 nm in diameter) formed on the BMG. An immersion test in simulated body fluid for 12 days revealed that the titanate nanomesh layer on the BMG promoted the growth of bone-like hydroxyapatite.