Electrodeposition of hydroxyapatite coatings in basic conditions

Hydroxyapatite films have been grown in this work by an electrodeposition m ethod involving both physical and chemical processes and presenting several differences with respect to other reported works. Description of the coati ng formation is based on the evolution of current through the sample placed as positive electrode in the basic electrolyte. The characterisation of hy droxyapatite films is of special importance since the bioactive properties related to HAP have been directly identified with its specific composition (Ca/P ratio) and crystalline structure. This characterisation has been trad itionally fulfilled by the use of XRD, FTIR and SEM. Results of a further c haracterisation of the coatings by TEM and SFM, additional to the analysis by XRD, FTIR and SEM, are presented. Interpretation and comparison of our r esults with those obtained by other electrodeposition methods lead to argum ents in favour of a deposition produced directly from ionic species. (C) 20 00 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.