Hydroxyapatite implantation on the surface of pure titanium for orthopedicimplants

Titanium and some of its alloys are commonly accepted materials for orthope dic implants such as artificial tooth roots mainly due to their superior du rability. Enhancement of bone formation around the implants can make a cons iderable contribution to long-term stable fixation of the implants. However , the surface of titanium is less osteoconductive than bioactive ceramics s uch as hydroxyapatite (HAP). In this study, spherical HAP ceramics were imp lanted on the surface of pure titanium by a loading rate of 0.1 kN/min up t o 1 kN at 1123 K to provide the surface of pure titanium with osteoconducti ve spots. By this method, the spherical HAP ceramics were mechanically held by deformed pure titanium. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reser ved.