In vitro bioactivity and corrosion resistance of Zr incorporated TiO2 nanotube arrays for orthopaedic applications

Abstract

The present investigation deals with the incorporation of zirconium (Zr) ions onto TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNT) by simple dip coating method for biomedical implants. The electrochemical behaviour of the specimens were studied with potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel plots) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), while surface analysis involved field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, thin film x-ray diffraction (TF-XRD) and contact angle measurements. The FE-SEM morphology revealed that self-organised TNT was tightly arrayed with an average diameter of 110±4nm. The wall thickness and length of 15±2nm and 2.1±0.3μm respectively were developed by electrochemical anodization of titanium sheet in a mixture of ethylene glycol and NH4F electrolyte. The EDS, ATR-FTIR and TF-XRD studies were revealed the incorporation of Zr onto TNT specimens. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) was grown over Zr ions incorporated TNT (Zr-TNT) via in vitro immersion method. The HAp grown Zr-TNT exhibited higher bioactivity as well as enhanced corrosion resistance when compared to other specimen. Hence, Zr-TNT could be a viable material for the use as orthopaedic implant with good bioactivity and corrosion resistance.