Electrophoretic Deposition of Mesoporous Carbonated Hydroxyapatite on Ti-6Al-4V Alloy for Bone Implant

The Ti-6Al-4V alloy is widely used in implant applications due to its excellent mechanical properties, including high strength for load-bearing, elasticity comparable to human bone, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility. However, its bioactivity is limited because titanium is biologically inert, making it less effective in promoting bone tissue growth and achieving strong osseointegration. To address this, mesoporous carbonated hydroxyapatite (Meso-CHA) was selected as a coating material for Ti-6Al-4V due to its superior biocompatibility and bioactivity. This study demonstrates that combining the mechanical advantages of Ti-6Al-4V with the bioactivity of Meso-CHA can result in a more effective implant. Meso-CHA powder was successfully synthesized using the precipitation method. It was observed that increasing the concentration of nitric acid roughened the alloy surface, enhancing the adhesion of Meso-CHA. Optimal deposition conditions were identified as 10 V for 10 min. While higher voltages and longer deposition times produced thicker Meso-CHA coatings, these coatings exhibited surface cracks. In vitro bioactivity tests confirmed the formation of apatite, indicating that the Meso-CHA coating significantly enhances the alloy’s bioactivity and promotes improved osseointegration.