SYNOPSIS
Thin carbonate apatite was deposited onto titanium using a molecular precursor method, which is a novel technique. The molecular precursor solution was prepared by the addition of dibutylammonium diphosphate salt to an ethanol solution of Ca-EDTA complex at a Ca/P ratio=1.67. The molecular precursor solution was applied to titanium and fired at different temperatures at 600oC for 2 hr using a furnace under ordinary atmospheric conditions. The coated surface was bom-barded with argon ions for 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Crack formation on the coated surface was increased according to the prolongation of argon ion etching time. The presence of carbonate group inside the coatings was detected by Fourier transform infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy. Carbonate group was present after 15 min etching. It is concluded that carbonate group was trapped inside the coated CA film when used with molecular precursor method.
Key words: carbonate apatite, thin film, molecular precursor method