Abstract
Formation of bonelike apatite is an essential prerequisite for implants to make direct bond to living bone. The apatite formation can be assessed in vitro using a simulated body fluid (SBF) that has almost equal compositions of inorganic ions to human blood plasma. In this study, Ti coatings were prepared by vacuum plasma spraying, and then they were treated by NaOH aqueous solution, immersed in distilled water, heated at 600 °C in a furnace. Microstructure and bioactivity of the surface modified Ti coatings were examined by SEM observation and SBF test respectively. The results obtained revealed that a net-like structure comprising of many micropores was present on the surfaces of the treated Ti coatings. After immersed in SBF, apatite layer was formed on their surfaces, suggesting that the surface modification coatings have good bioactivity.
