In vitro bioactivity of potassium titanate whiskers

The bioactivity of potassium titanate whiskers (PTW) was evaluated by soaking in simulated body fluids (SBF, Kokubo solution). At first, PTW was chemically treated by 1 M HCl and 1 M NaOH solutions at 60°C for 48 h, respectively. Then PTW before and after treated were soaked in SBF solution and cultured at 37°C for different times. The apatite deposit on PTW was examined by FTIR and SEM/EDX. The results showed that there was not apatite deposit on the raw PTW even after soaked for 14 days while apatite appeared on the treated PTW after soaked for only 7 days. This implies that treatment by HCl/NaOH solutions can improve the in vitro bioactivity of PTW. The possible mechanism is that more Ti-OH groups occur after treatment and induce Ca ²⁺ and PO₄^3- aggregate and accelerate to deposit of apatite. The bioactive PTW with good biocompatibility is a potential candidate as reinforcing agent to improve the mechanical properties of calcium phosphate ceramics or cements.