Nanodentistry aspects explored towards nanostructured ZrO2: Immobilizing zirconium-oxide nanotube coatings onto zirconia ceramic implant surfaces

Abstract

We report on a facile strategy to impart nanostructured morphology to commercially available ceramic-preforms used for biomedical applications in the field of dentistry. This process involves the deposition of nanotubular zirconium-oxide (ZrNT) membranes onto zirconia (ZrO2) ceramic discs at ambient conditions. ZrNTs are fabricated via electrochemical anodization of zirconium foil in a one-pot synthesis. The ZrNT film is detached from the metal-foil using office-adhesive tape and freestanding ZrNT films were obtained via dissolution of adhesives in a solvent bath, which also facilitate the transfer of ZrNT film onto the ceramic. This simple technique allows to impart a robust micro-nanoscale structure to bulk-ceramics that can potentially offer insights into designing ‘smart’ implants in the field of ceramic-biomaterial applications.

Keywords

• Zirconia implants
• Nanostructured surfaces
• Anodization
• Biomaterial coatings
• ToF-SIMS