Abstract
Anodization enables fabrication of controlled nanotopographies on Ti implants to offer tailorable bioactivity and local therapy. However, anodization of Zr implants to fabricate ZrO2 nanostructures remains underexplored and are limited to the modification of easy-to-manage flat Zr foils, which do not represent the shape of clinically used implants. In this pioneering study, we report extensive optimization of various nanostructures on implant-relevant micro-rough Zr curved surfaces, bringing this technology closer to clinical translation. Further, we explore the use of sonication to remove the top nanoporous layer to reveal the underlying nanotubes. Nano-engineered Zr surfaces can be applied towards enhancing the bioactivity and therapeutic potential of conventional Zr-based implants.
Highlights
Zirconium (Zr) is a valve metal that is very stable with a high dielectric constant, and it is a suitable material choice for the nuclear and microelectronic industries [1]
We have previously reported similar cracks on TiO2 films formed on anodized Ti wire [32]. These instabilities of the anodic layer could be attributed to the electric field concentrations at the topographical peaks of the substrate—which, in this case, is an irregular micro-rough curved surface [29,30]
The surface heterogeneity upon electrochemical anodization (EA) can result in thicker oxide at the convex part and thinner oxide at the concave part [33]
Summary
Zirconium (Zr) is a valve metal that is very stable with a high dielectric constant, and it is a suitable material choice for the nuclear and microelectronic industries [1]. Zr and its alloys are extensively used in the field of optics, magnetics, chemical sensors, and biomedical implants [2] Due to their favourable characteristics (physical, chemical, and biological), Zr-based implants are gaining popularity in the dental and orthopaedic markets [3,4]. For this application, the favourable biocompatibility of Zr is mainly attributed to its surface oxide film (ZrO2 ). Electrochemical anodization (EA) has been regarded as an effective strategy to fabricate ZrO2 with nanoscale surface roughness and the ability to incorporate bioactive ions (Ca or P) [15].
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