Zirconium (Zr) and Zr-based materials have been widely used in biomedical and dental applications. Although these materials have better chemical and mechanical properties compared to titanium-based implants for biomedical applications, their poor bioactivity is still a challenge that needs to be overcome in order to increase the cell attachment properties [1-3]. In this study, the surface of Zr substrates was modified by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) to induce a significant changing the surface chemistry and topology and thus increase bioactivity. The PEO processes were conducted at different current frequencies ranging from 80 to 420 Hz in a 30 g/l calcium acetate monohydrate (CA), 8 g/l β-glycerophosphate disodium salt pentahydrate (β-GP) and 2 g/l KOH containing electrolyte solution. The phase and chemical composition, as well as the morphology of the coatings were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and optical surface profilometry (OSP) techniques. The corrosion performance of the fabricated coatings, which is also crucial for biomedical applications, were evaluated. The results revealed that the current frequency had a profound influence on the microstructure and the chemical composition of the fabricated coatings. The SEM and OSP experiments revealed that the increase in the current frequency resulted in rougher surface coatings with bigger pores. The corrosion behaviour of each samples conducted in simulated body fluid (SBF) at the temperature of 36.5 °C will be presented.

References

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2-    P. Thomsen, C. Larsson, L.E. Ericson, L. Sennerby, J. Lausmaa, B. Kasemo, Structure of the interface between rabbit cortical bone and implants of gold, zirconium and titanium, J Mater Sci-Mater M, 8 (1997) 653-665.

3-    Y.Y. Yan, Y. Han, Structure and bioactivity of micro-arc oxidized zirconia films, Surf Coat Tech, 201 (2007) 5692-5695.