Micro-observation and characterization of bonding between bone and HA-glass-titanium functionally gradient composite.

Bioactive composite implants consisting of hydroxyapatite (HA)-glass (G) ceramic layer and Ti-6AI-4V alloy, so-called HA-G-Ti functionally gradient implant, were provided for investigating the bonding behaviour of bone to the implant in vivo. The HA-G-Ti composites were implanted in femur and tibia of dog for various periods (1-12 month). Microstructural appearance of the interface between bone and the HA-G coating layer as well as the transverse sections of the HA-G coating layer and further apposition of bone to the implant have been studied in detail with SEM. The ingress of collagen fibres into the HA-G coating layer and the deposit of apatite on the collagen fibres and HA crystal grains being containing within the HA-G coating layer have been observed. Radiographical experiments indicate that the reparative process in the bone tissue surrounding the implants is markedly ahead even at one month after implantation. FT-IR measurement and X-ray diffraction were carried out for studying the characterization of the calcified bone matrix around the implants and the new bone proliferated along the HA-G-coated face (surface).