Nanometer-scale surface modification of Ti6Al4V alloy for orthopedic applications

This communication presents a novel technology to enhance the biocompatibility of bioinert Ti6Al4V alloy as implant materials for orthopaedic application. The surface of Ti6Al4V alloy was electrochemically activated in NaOH solution to create a porous structure with nanometer topographic features and an alkaline environment, thus promoting the formation of bone-like hydroxyapatite coating and enhancing the bonding strength of the coating. This innovative activation process was proved to be effective and essential. The activated surface was confirmed to be pure TiO2 and the formed coating was characterized of pure hydroxyapatite with a nanometer-scaled grain size structure by means of XPS, FESEM/SEM/EDX, XRD, and TEM techniques. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 84A: 63-72, 2008.