Apatite coatings onto titanium surfaces submitted to laser ablation with different energy densities

Apatite coatings were deposited on titanium surfaces modified by Nd:YVO(4) laser at different energy densities in environment atmosphere. Apatite was synthesized by sol-gel method using calcium nitrate and phosphoric acid as precursors. The titanium modified surfaces were dip-coated into precursor solution and pre-fired at 700 degrees C in air for 3 h. Analyses by XRD, FTIR and SEM showed the formation of a mixture of phases: hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) onto the surfaces submitted to laser ablation. Surface Rietveld analysis showed that a larger amount of non-stoichiometric oxides produced by laser ablation resulted in greater formation of HA on the coating. However, more of the beta-TCP phase than HA was observed on surfaces with low amounts of oxides. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V.