Preparation and properties of a cerium-containing hydroxyapatite coating on commercially pure titanium by micro-arc oxidation

A porous cerium-containing hydroxyapatite coating on commercially pure titanium was prepared by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) in an electrolytic solution containing calcium acetate, β-glycerol phosphate disodium salt pentahydrate (β-GP), and cerium nitrate. The thickness, phase, composition morphology, and biocompatibility of the oxide coating were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), and cell culture. The thickness of the MAO film is about 15-25 μm, and the coating is porous and uneven, without any apparent interface to the titanium substrates. The results of XRD and EDS show that the porous coating is made up of hydroxyapatite (HA) film containing Ce. The favorable osteoblast cell affinity makes the Ce-HA film have a good biocompatibility. The Ce-HA film is expected to have significant medical applications as dental implants and artificial bone joints.