Effect of water vapor treatment on apatite formation on precalcified titanium and bond strength of coatings to substrates

In previous investigations, a simple method, precalcification, was develope d for bioactivating titanium. After a titanium sample was precalcified in a boiling saturated Ca(OH)(2) solution and then immersed in a calcium phosph ate supersaturated solution, an apatite coating rapidly precipitated onto i ts surface. In the present study, heat-treatment in water vapor was carried out prior to precalcification. Heat-treatment in water vapor stimulated th e chemical reaction between titanium, calcium, and phosphate. Coating prope rties were improved, and the bond strength of the coating to substrate was enhanced. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.