Abstract: An implant comprises a metal body having a ceramic coating comprising monoclinic and orthorhombic phases of zirconium oxide ZrO2 and at least one multi-metal phosphate from the group comprising l-IV metal phosphates. A method of forming an implant is provided. A method of applying a ceramic coating to a metal body comprises the step of electrochemical oxidation of at least a portion of the surface of a metal body in aqueous electrolyte; in which the electrolyte contains at least two elements from a group consisting of zirconium, titanium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, fluoride, potassium, sodium, strontium, sulphur, argentum, zinc, copper, silicon, gallium; in which electrochemical oxidation is conducted in a plasma discharge (PEO) mode for at least one interval of time, and non-discharge modes for at least two intervals of time.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-metallic coating on a metallic substrate involves the steps of positioning the metallic substrate in an electrolysis chamber and applying a sequence of voltage pulses of alternating polarity to electrically bias the substrate with respect to an electrode. Positive voltage pulses anodically bias the substrate with respect to the electrode and negative voltage pulses cathodically bias the substrate with respect to the electrode. The amplitude of the positive voltage pulses is potentiostatically controlled, whereas the amplitude of the negative voltage pulses is galvanostatically controlled.

Abstract: An insulated metal substrate (IMS) for supporting a device comprises a metallic substrate having a ceramic coating formed at least in part by oxidation of a portion of the surface of the metallic substrate. The ceramic coating has a dielectric strength of greater than 50 KV mm?1 and a thermal conductivity of greater than 5 Wm?1K?1.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-metallic coating on a metallic substrate involves the steps of positioning the metallic substrate in an electrolysis chamber and applying a sequence of voltage pulses of alternating polarity to electrically bias the substrate with respect to an electrode. Positive voltage pulses anodically bias the substrate with respect to the electrode and negative voltage pulses cathodically bias the substrate with respect to the electrode. The amplitude of the positive voltage pulses is potentiostatically controlled, wheras the amplitude of the negative voltage pulses is galvanostatically controlled.

Abstract: A method for the plasma electrolytic oxidation of a bioactive coating onto implant (4) is provided. The implant is placed in an electrolyte solution (3) providing Ca and P ions and then connected to a power supply (1). A counter electrode is also provided in the electrolyte solution. A sequence of voltage pulses having alternating polarity are then applied across the implant and counter electrode to deposit a bioactive coating onto the implant. A intra-bone implant formed by the method is also provided having a coating with a thickness of 10 to 30 microns, a porosity comprised by pores with sizes of 0.5 to 10 microns, and comprising 10 to 30 wt % of hydroxyapatites.

Abstract: An insulated metal substrate (IMS) for supporting a device comprises a metallic substrate having a ceramic coating formed at least in part by oxidation of a portion of the surface of the metallic substrate. The ceramic coating has a dielectric strength of greater than 50 KV mm?1 and a thermal conductivity of greater than 5 Wm?1K?1.

Abstract: A method for the plasma electrolytic oxidation of a bioactive coating onto implant (4) is provided. The implant is placed in an electrolyte solution (3) providing Ca and P ions and then connected to a power supply (1). A counter electrode is also provided in the electrolyte solution. A sequence of voltage pulses having alternating polarity are then applied across the implant and counter electrode to deposit a bioactive coating onto the implant. A intra-bone implant formed by the method is also provided having a coating with a thickness of 10 to 30 microns, a porosity comprised by pores with sizes of 0.5 to 10 microns, and comprising 10 to 30 wt % of hydroxyapatites.