Low-temperature deposition of anatase TiO2 on medical grade polyetheretherketone to assist osseous integration

The results showed that the deposited TiO2 possesses a dense columnar structure with major anatase and minor rutile crystal phase. The highest rank (5B) in an adhesion tape test, a critical load of 14.5 N and cohesive failure mode in the scratch test all proved the strong adhesion of the coating. High corrosion potential with very low corrosion current was detected both in 3.5 wt.% NaCl electrolyte and simulated body fluid (SBF), indicating the electro-chemical inertness of the TiO2 coating. The TiO2-coated specimens presented better osteoblast cell adhesion compatibility than the bare PEEK material in terms of cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in an osteoblast culture.