• Wannakan Kanjanama D.D.S.
• Viritpon Srimaneepong D.D.S., M.D.Sc., PhD.
• Dujreutai Pongkao Kashima B.Sc. (Chemistry), M.Sc. (Ceramic technology), D.Eng. (Materials Science and Engineering)

Objective To compare the surface characteristics and crystal structures of titanium oxide on
commercially pure titanium before and after anodization using different pH electrolytes.

Materials and methods Commercially pure (Cp) titanium grade 2 plates were used in this study.
Anodic oxidation was carried out in three different electrolytes, H₃PO₄, NaF and NaOH to represent
acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions, respectively. The anodizations were performed at 20 voltage for
15 minutes. The surface characteristics and crystal structures of titanium oxide were observed with a
profilometer, SEM, XRD and a contact angle meter. The data were statistically analyzed with one-way
ANOVA (p < 0.05) with Tamhane and Bonferroni multiple comparison.

Results Titanium specimens that were anodized using NaF electrolyte showed the least surface
roughness (Ra; 0.078 ± 0.014 μm.) and contact angle (16.75 ± 3.24 degree). It is statistically significant
(p < 0.05) from titanium specimens that were anodized using either NaOH or H₃PO₄ and unanodized
specimens.

Conclusion Anodized titanium using NaF electrolyte displayed the least surface roughness but the
most hydrophilic.

(CU Dent J. 2010;33:67-76)