Synthesis and characterization of a bi-functional hydroxyapatite/Cu-doped TiO2 composite coating

In the present work, a two-layer hydroxyapatite (HA)/Cu-doped TiO2 composite coating was prepared via one-step micro-arc oxidation in an aqueous electrolyte containing calcium acetate, sodium di-hydrogen phosphate and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid cupric disodium (CuNa2-EDTA) at a constant current density of 100 mA/cm2. After micro-arc oxidation for 20 min, Cu species incorporate into the TiO2 as CuO and Cu2O, resulting in the formation of Cu-doped TiO2-based coating. In addition, spherical-shaped HA phase of nanometre scale is also present on the Cu-doped TiO2-based coating. With HA phase boosting osseointegration and Cu species killing pathogenic microbes, a bi-functional coating fabricated by one-step micro-arc oxidation is of promising potential application in the bio-medical field.