Self-organization of a bioactive nanostructured oxide layer at the surface of sintered titanium sponge powder subjected to electrochemical anodization

Self-ordered nanoporous/nanotubular oxide films are prepared on the surface of porous powder materials of a titanium sponge by electrochemical anodization. By using scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, we establish that anodization of sintered powder of a titanium sponge in an electrolyte containing H$_2$SO$_4$ (10%) and HF (0.15%) yields an X-ray amorphous TiO$_2$ film with a thickness of 250–350 nm and a regular pattern of nanopores and nanotubes with diameters of 30 to 70 nm. Our results confirm that the described method for surface modification of sintered powders of a titanium sponge holds promise in manufacturing bioactive implants.