Surface induced reactivity for titanium by ion implantation

Calcium and phosphorus storage in a thin layer of titanium surface was achi eved by ion implantation. We study the reactivity of this surface in respon se to a hydrothermal treatment. The incipient implanted species are observe d to convert to Ca2+ and PO43-, the precursors for generating calcium phosp hate polymorphs. Hydroxyapatite is formed from these precursors by an inter face-liquid mediated mineralization preceded by the hydrolysis of oxygen co mpounds of Ca and P from the solid phase. The morphology and organization o f apatite mineral is controlled by the fluid dynamics reflecting the surfac e remodeling to adapt to the available local environment. Exposed to calciu m and phosphate ion containing solution, the hydrothermally treated surface templates hydroxyapatite deposition. Ca and P implanted Ti surface was sho wn to be chemically and morphologically actively involved in the interfacia l reactions. (C) 2000 Kluwer Academic Publishers.