Innovative fabrication of ZrO₂–HAp–TiO₂ nano/micro-structured composites through MAO/EPD combined method

ZrO₂–HAp–TiO₂ porous layers were fabricated by micro arc oxidation/electrophoretic deposition hybrid processes in the electrolytes consisted of β-glycerophosphate, calcium acetate, sodium phosphate, and yttria-stabilized zirconia within short times and only in one step. The layers had a porous structure with a pores size of 50–750nm. They contained anatase, hydroxyapatite, monoclinic ZrO₂, tetragonal ZrO₂, and some minor phases with a varying fraction depending on time. Increasing the time, the tetragonal ZrO₂ transformed to monoclinic ZrO₂. Moreover, hydroxyapatite relative content decreased with time. The nanosized zirconia particles (d=20–40nm) were dispersed on the surface and in the layers depth.