The structures, electrochemical and cell performance of titania films formed on titanium by micro-arc oxidation

• The MAO coatings treated at a higher voltage (180 and 200 V) exhibited an effect on early osteoblast mineralization.
• The titania coatings formed in acidic electrolyte is mainly composed of anatase phase and the anatase content increases with the applied voltage increasing.

Through micro-arc oxidation, the titanium dioxide coatings were prepared on titanium at the different applied voltages (in the range of 100–200 V) in an H2SO4/H3PO4 electrolyte. The morphologies, phase components, corrosion resistances, and biocompatibility of the coatings were investigated. The effect of the applied voltages on the characteristics and properties of the MAO treated coatings were also discussed. The titania coatings formed in acidic electrolyte is mainly composed of anatase phase and the anatase content increases with the applied voltage increasing. It is also found that the applied voltage plays an important role in the characteristics and properties of the composite coatings. With the increase of the applied voltage, the pore size, surface pore density and the roughness of the coatings increase, while the corrosion resistance decreases. Moreover, the MAO coatings treated at a higher voltage (180 and 200 V) exhibited an effect on early osteoblast mineralization.