Aim: To analyse in vitro bioactivity of Ti6Al4V surfaces blasted with ZrO ₂ /HA mixtures.

Materials and methods: Ti6Al4V discs ( Ø = 7 mm) were used. Five treatment groups (3 samples for each) were prepared. Samples were sandblasted with zirconia (ZrO ₂ ) and hydroxyapatite (HA) powders. Qualitative surface analysis was performed with SEM. Roughness surface analysis of the samples was performed before and after blasting process. Finally, samples were embedded in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1, 3 and 7 days.

Results: SEM and roughness measurements showed that topographical variation with different ratio of ZrO ₂ /HA powders. EDS analysis results of samples sand blasted with different ratio of HA–ZrO ₂ powders and hold in SBF for 7 days showed that maximum HA adsorption is observed in the samples treated with Z75 blasting grit powders. Increased ZrO ₂ ratio in HA powders rose HA adsorbance on Ti surface. Blasting with different ratios of ZrO ₂ /HA mixtures results in increase in Ra values of all samples.

Conclusion: Absorbed HA a month increased with higher ZrO ₂ ratio within mixture. Effect of ZrO ₂ /HA blasting treatment powder ratio on Ra values followed the below order: Z25 > Z0 > Z50 > Z75 > Z100. Average roughness varied 1.5–4.5 μm. Blasting treatment seems to help Ca/P accumulation on HA particles.

Conflict of interest: None declared.