Ca-containing anodic alumina (CAA) has been successfully prepared by anodizing Al
film in an alkali solution at a constant voltage and subsequently electro-depositing calcium salts
on and into anodic alumina. This paper investigated the anodic behavior of Al, deposition
behavior of calcium salt, and microstructure of CAA. The results show that the anodic behavior of
Al in Na3PO4 electrolyte can be described as three continuous stages as of initial growth of the
compact barrier layer, formation of porous alumina and further development of its pores and
columnar holes. It is also found that cell voltage of electro-deposition process plays an important
role at the deposition behavior of calcium slat and the microstructure of Ca-containing anodic
alumina (CAA). The higher the cell voltage is, the faster the deposition rate, and the more calcium
being deposited at the surface of anodic alumina and into the columnar holes or at the walls of the
holes of anodic alumina. It is expected that Ca-containing anodic alumina films are promising
substrates for fabricating functional bio-coatings for prosthetic applications.
