RF magnetron sputtering deposition of bioactive Ca-P-based coatings on Ti-6Al-4V alloy

RF magnetron concurrent sputtering of hydroxyapatite and Ti forming functionally graded calcium phosphate-based composite bioactive films on Ti-6Al-4V orthopedic alloy is reported. Calcium oxide phosphate (4CaO/spl middot/P/sub 2/O/sub 5/) is the main crystalline phase. In vitro cell culturing tests suggest outstanding biocompatibility of the Ca-P-Ti films. Images of the plasma-enhanced sputtering processes and cell culturing are presented and discussed.