Calcium phosphate formation on alkali-treated titanium alloy and stainless steel

Abstract

Alternatives to the plasma spraying method have been developed to obtain calcium phosphate coatings, like the biomimetic method. This process is a physicochemical method in which a substrate is soaked in a solution that simulates the physiological conditions, for a period of time enough to form a desirable layer of the calcium phosphate on the substrate. The titanium substrate usually investigated in the literature is subjected to an alkali treatment to induce the calcium phosphate formation and improve adhesion of the coating. The goals of this work are to compare the effect of alkaline treatments on two substrates titanium alloy and stainless steel, usually used for implants and orthopedic prostheses. The metallic substrates were treated with NaOH 5N at 60 °C for 24 h and NaOH 20N at 90 °C for 30 min. The samples were immersed in simulated body fluid for 3 days and in a solution with a higher calcium concentration for another three days. The modified substrates and coatings were characterized using profilometry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The alkaline treatment modified the characteristics of both substrates and allowed the nucleation a calcium phosphate film. Keywords: Titanium alloy, stainless steel, alkali treatment, calcium phosphate coatings, biomimetic