Hydroxyapatite implantation on the surface of pure titanium for orthopedic implants

Abstract

Titanium and some of its alloys are commonly accepted materials for orthopedic implants such as artificial tooth roots mainly due to their superior durability. Enhancement of bone formation around the implants can make a considerable contribution to long-term stable fixation of the implants. However, the surface of titanium is less osteoconductive than bioactive ceramics such as hydroxyapatite (HAP). In this study, spherical HAP ceramics were implanted on the surface of pure titanium by a loading rate of 0.1 kN/min up to 1 kN at 1123 K to provide the surface of pure titanium with osteoconductive spots. By this method, the spherical HAP ceramics were mechanically held by deformed pure titanium.