Search

Zirconium (Zr) is a potential orthopaedic and dental implant material because of excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, it is difficult to integrate Zr with biomaterials because it is bioinert. In this study, a rough and porous zirconium oxide (ZrO2) coating containing calcium phosphate was prepared on pure Zr by plasma electrolytic oxidation. The microstructure, surface topography, and elemental and phase composition of the coating were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction crystallography. The thickness of the coating was measured using an eddy current thickness gauge. The results indicate that the coating mainly comprised c-ZrO2and m-ZrO2crystal phases, and calcium phosphate was successfully incorporated into the ZrO2coating. In conclusion, the formation of a rough and porous ZrO2coating made Zr bioactive, and thus a promising coating was obtained for orthopaedic implants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]