Structure and Bioactivity of Zirconia Nanotube Arrays Fabricated by Anodization

Volume 6 Issue 5, Pages 636 – 641

Limin Guo, Jianling Zhao, Xixin Wang, Xuewen Xu, Heye Liu, Yangxian Li
Published
Online: Oct 29 2008 1:09PM

DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7402.2008.02305.x

ABSTRACT
Zirconia nanotube arrays with a diameter of 300–350 nm and a length of
100 μm were prepared by anodization of zirconium in an organic
electrolyte containing NH₄F. The zirconia layers
were annealed at 200–800°C in air. The morphologies of the specimens
were observed using scanning electron microscopy. The phase structure
was identified by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy. The bioactivity of zirconia nanotubes at different
annealing temperatures was assessed by simulated body fluids immersion
experiments. Results show that the nanotube arrays were stable when
annealed at 600°C. The tubal layers containing zirconia with a low
crystallinity and amorphous structure are more bioactive compared with a
well-crystallized structure.

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