Testing sol-gel CaTiO3 coatings for biocompatible applications

In the present work, CaTiO3 films with thicknesses of 4 mum have been prepared by sol-gel spin-coating process. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy disperse X-ray spectroscopy to study the chemical, structural and morphological changes produced by annealing treatments. Polycrystalline coatings with a perovskite structure were obtained at temperatures of 800 degreesC. These films grown on mirror-like surfaces show good adherence and develop a rough microstructured surface. The biomimetic properties were assayed by evaluating the growth of apatite in simulated body fluids (SBF). We conclude that the coatings are of potential interest in order to enhance the surface properties of Ti-based prosthetic alloys. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.