Characterization and formation of hydroxyapatite on Ti6Al4V coated by plasma electrolytic oxidation

► Ti6Al4V alloys were coated by PEO in calcium acetate and β-calcium glycerophosphate. ► Hydroxyapatite and calcium apatite based phases were directly formed on Ti6Al4V. ► Hydroxyapatite coatings were characterized systematically for different times. ► After 5 min, hydroxyapatite and calcium based phases begin to form on the coating. ► HAp on the coating is amorphous due to the rapid solidification during PEO.