Cathodic alkaline treatment of zirconium to give the ability to form calcium phosphate

• Published in: Acta biomaterialia 2010-10, Vol.6 (10), p.4161-4166
• Main Authors: Tsutsumi, Y., Nishimura, D., Doi, H., Nomura, N., Hanawa, T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Body Fluids - chemistry; Calcium phosphate; Calcium Phosphates - chemistry; Cathodic polarization; Coated Materials, Biocompatible - chemistry; Electrochemistry; Electrodes; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hydroxyapatite; Materials Testing; Photoelectron Spectroscopy; Solutions - chemistry; Surface Properties; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Zirconium; Zirconium - chemistry
• ISSN: 1742-7061; 1878-7568
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2010.05.010

The cathodic polarization technique to form an alkaline environment on a zirconium (Zr) surface, discussed in the present study, is unique, and gives the ability to form calcium phosphate in a simulated body fluid to Zr; on the other hand, many previous studies have been conducted using immersion in alkaline solutions. In this study, two discrete techniques were investigated. Zr was cathodically polarized in an electrolyte without calcium and phosphate ions, and Zr was cathodically polarized in another electrolyte containing calcium and phosphate ions, Hanks’ solution, to directly form a calcium phosphate layer. The surface was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the performance of the material was evaluated by immersion in Hanks’ solution. As a result, the ability to form calcium phosphate in Hanks’ solution was given by cathodic polarization in the Na 2SO 4 solution containing H 2O 2. In addition, a cathodic potential under −1.5 V SCE is required to form hydroxyapatite directly in Hanks’ solution. This research clearly reveals useful surface modification techniques giving the ability to form calcium phosphate in a simulated body fluid by cathodic polarization.