Apatite-forming ability of zirconia/alumina composite induced by chemical treatment

Induction of apatite-forming ability on a zirconia/alumina composite with high strength and fracture toughness was attempted by subjecting the composite to H3PO4, H2SO4, HCl or NaOH aqueous solution treatments. The solution treatments were found to produce Zr-OH groups on the surfaces of the composite. The solution-treated composites formed bonelike apatite on their surfaces in simulated body fluids (SBF). It is assumed that the apatite formation was induced by the Zr-OH groups which were formed on the surfaces of the composite by the solution treatments. It is expected that thus treated composite could form the bonelike apatite layer even in the living body and bond to living bone through the apatite layer.