Characterization of bioactive ceramic coatings prepared on titanium implants by micro-arc oxidation

Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) is an enhanced chemical technology in an electrolyte medium to obtain coating structures on valve-metal surfaces. Titanium oxide films obtained by MAO in the sodium phosphate electrolyte were investigated. The films were composed mainly of TiO2 phases in the form of anatase and rutile and enriched with Na and P elements at the surface. Their apatite-inducing ability was evaluated in a simulated body fluid (SBF). When immersing in SBF for over 30 d, a preferential carbonated-hydroxyapatite was formed on the surfaces of the films, which suggests that the MAO-treated titanium has a promising positive biological response.