Preparation and Characterization of Bone-Like Apatite Coating on Ti6Al4V Spinal Fusion Devices

Sand-blasting treatment and chemically biomimetic growth are important methods improving the interface adhesion strength and formation of osteoconductive coatings for implants. In the present study, these methods were employed to generate bone-like apatite coating on Ti6Al4V spinal fusion devices. The surface morphology, elements and microstructure were analyzed using SEM, AFM, EDS, XRD and TEM. The results showed that bone-like apatite layer formed after sand blasting treatment and chemically biomimetic growth. Also the dimensional accuracy of device after the treatment could meet the implantation requirement of the device. The coating adhesion test suggests that rough surface after sand-blasting can improve the coating adhesion strength. The study will facilitate further the engineering application of chemically biomimetic growth in surface modification of Ti6Al4V implants and the medical application of spinal fusion device.