Electrophoretic deposition of hydroxyapatite nanocrystal

Homogeneous nano-thin layer of hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocrystals on the gold surface was fabricated by an electrophoretic deposition method (EPD); the HAp nanocrystals were dispersed into ethanol and the applied voltage was varied. The HAp nanocrystals were prepared by a wet method at 4 degrees C and 80 degrees C, which were characterized by X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The micro-thin layer of HAp nanocrystals was initially formed, and the ultrasonic treatments can remove the surplus nanocrystals from the surface. The nanostructure of the surface was investigated by atomic force microscopy and contact angle measurement. The thickness of coating layers was approximately 20 nm and the root mean square (RMS) roughness was under 6.6 nm, which was clearly depended on the crystal sizes, applied voltages and applied times.