【Abstract】 Objective Polyethylene is widely used in craniofacial reconstruction due to its negligible tissue reaction, favorable mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, its surface hydrophobicity is generally undesirable for cell adhesion and tissue ingrowth. On the other hand, calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics can form intimate interface with bone tissue but their application in craniofacial reconstruction is limited by their intrinsic brittleness. Therefore, the objective of this study was to combine the desirable surface properties of CaP and the favorable mechanical properties of polyethylene for improving the bioactivity of polyethylene. Methods Polyethylene samples were oxidized with a solution of manganese permanganate in sulfuric acid and to improve their surface hydrophilicity. The oxidized polyethylene samples were treated by repeated dipanddry in a supersaturated calcium phosphate solution and subsequently immersed in the same solution to grow a homogeneous CaP coating. Results The surface hydrophilicity of polyethelye was significantly enhanced after oxidization, and calcium phosphate coating uniformly formed rapidly after dipanddry and biomineralized treatment. Conclusion This method is simple and effective to improve the surface hydrophilicity of polyethylene and fabricate calcium phosphate coating rapidly for enhancing polyethylene bioactivity. Meanwhile, the method can be applied to other biomedical polymers such as polylactidecoglycolide (PLGA).