HA coating on titanium with nanotubular anodized TiO2 intermediate layer via electrochemical deposition

Hydroxyapatite(HA) coating has been prepared on titanium substrate through an electrochemical deposition approach. In order to improve the bonding strength between HA coating and Ti substrate, a well oriented and uniform titanium oxide nanotube array on the surface of titanium substrate was applied by means of anodic oxidation pre-treatment. Then the calcium hydrogen phosphate(CaHPO4·2H2O, DCPD) coating, as the precursor of hydroxyapatite coating, was electrodeposited on the anodized Ti. At the initial stage of electro-deposition, the DCPD crystals, in nanometer precipitates, are anchored in and between the tubes. With increasing the deposition time, the nanometer DCPD crystals are connected together to form a continuous coating on titanium oxide nanotube array. Finally, the DCPD coating is converted into hydroxyapatite one simply by being immersed in alkaline solution.