Study of the Structural-Phase State of Hydroxyapatite Coatings Obtained by Detonation Spraying at Different O2/C2H2 Ratios

Abstract

This work studies the influence of the composition of an acetylene–oxygen explosive O2/C2H2 mixture on the structure and properties of hydroxyapatite coatings obtained by detonation spraying. The molar ratios of O2/C2H2 were 2.61; 3.03 and 3.35; the explosive charge was between 73 and 77%. The results of X-ray phase analysis showed partial conversion of the hydroxyapatite (HA) phase to the tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) phase and formation of the amorphous phase during detonation sputtering. The formation of a small amount of the α-TCP phase during detonation spraying of HA is obviously due to structural transformations occurring during the heating of the material by detonation products. In addition, very rapid cooling of molten particles leads to the formation of the amorphous phase. The study results of the microstructure of the cross sections of the formed coatings, conducted using scanning electron microscopy, indicate that an increase in the O2/C2H2 ratio leads to increased porosity in the coatings. Additionally, an increase in the explosive charge by 77% results in the appearance of transverse cracks in the coating.