Investigations of thermal sprayed HAP and HAP-TiO2 composite coatings for biomedical applications

Abstract

Purpose The biomaterials are natural or synthetic materials used to improve quality of life either by replacing tissue/organ or assisting their function in medical field. The purpose of the study is to analyze the hydroxyapatite (HAP), HAP-TiO2 (25 percent) composite coatings deposited on 316 LSS by High Velocity Flame Spray (HVFS) technique. Design/methodology/approach The coatings exhibit almost uniform and dense microstructure with porosity (HAP = 0.153 and HAP-TiO2 composite = 0.138). Electrochemical corrosion testing was done on the uncoated and coated specimens in Ringer solution (SBF). As-sprayed coatings were characterized by XRD, SEM/EDS and cross-sectional X-ray mapping techniques before and after dipping in Ringer solution. Microhardness of composite coating (568.8 MPa) was found to be higher than HAP coating (353 MPa). Findings During investigations, it was observed that the corrosion resistance of steel was found to have increased after the deposition of HAP and HAP-TiO2 composite coatings. Thus, coatings serve as an effective diffusion barrier to prohibit the diffusion of ions from the SBF into the substrate. Composite coatings have been found to be more corrosion resistant as compared to HAP coating in the simulated body fluid. Research limitations/implications It has been concluded that corrosion resistance of HAP as well as composite coating is because of the desirable microstructural changes such as low porosity high microhardness and flat splat structures in coatings as compared to bare specimen. Practical implications This study is useful in the selection of biomedical implants. Social implications This study is useful in the field of biomaterials. Originality/value No reported literature on corrosion behavior of HAP+ 25%- TiO2 has been noted till now using flame spray technique. The main focus of the study is to investigate the HAP as well as composite coatings for biomedical applications.