Ultraviolet-accelerated formation of bone-like apatite on oxidized Ti-24Nb-4Zr-7.9Sn alloy

A novel method has been developed to rapidly deposit bone-like apatite with the assistance of ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation on the nanostructured titania in the simulated body fluid (SBF). The process has three main steps: Ti-24Nb-4Zr-7.9Sn alloy was heated at 650°C for 3 h, UV-light illumination in air for 4 h and soaking in the SBF for 3 d. A titania coating consisted of main rutile formed on the thermal oxidized Ti-24Nb-4Zr-7.9Sn alloy. The UV not only converted the rutile surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic but also stimulated high surface activity. After 4 h UV illumination, the contents of Ti3+ and hydroxyl groups on the oxidized sample were increased, while that of lattice O decreased. After 3 d of soaking in the SBF, a compact and uniform layer of carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) particles was formed on the UV-illuminated rutile surface whereas there was a few of HA to be viewed on the surface of as-oxidized Ti-24Nb-4Zr-7.9Sn alloy. Our study demonstrates a simple, fast and cost-effective technique for growing bone-like apatite on titanium alloys.