Abstract: A bioactive surface layer with 0.01 &mgr;m to 5 mm thickness is suitable for a metallic bone implant. The surface layer has the following composition: (A) calcium compounds (CaX) consisting of crystalline calcium phosphate (CaP), calcium apatites (CaAp) and/or calcium carbonate (CaCO3), in a proportion expressed by the following equation: 100% (CaX)=&Sgr;[x % (CaP)+y % (CaCO3)], in which x+y+z=100, 0≦x≦100; 0≦y≦100; 0≦z≦100, and in the form of particles 20 nm to 4 mm; and (B) amorphous or crystalline metal oxide (MeO). The ratio between CAX and MeO in the surface layer can be preferably varied as a result of the specific coating process. The thickness of the surface layer lies between 0.01 &mgr;m and 5 mm and the CaX particles are 20 nm to 4 mm large.

Abstract: The invention relates to electro materials based on lanthanum and nickel having a formula close to LaNi.sub.5 in which one of the components is partially substituted by a metal selected from those in groups Ia, II, III, IV and Va of the periodic table of elements, and other than lanthanides, in an atomic proportion which is not zero, being higher than 0.1% and lower than 25%, and preferbly from 0.5% to 15% with respect to the lanthanum.