Structure and Properties of Bioceramics Layers Used for Implant Coatings

Abstract

Ceramic materials included in the group of advanced materials are increasingly used in different fields of science and technology as well as in everyday life. Hydroxyapatite ceramics (HAp, HA), based on calcium phosphates, i.e. chemical compounds being a constituent of natural bone, is found to be one of the best implantation materials for bone surgeries and dentistry. Due to poor mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite ceramics, the attempts are made to modify HA materials in order to extend the scope of current applications. It is also necessary to maintain high biocompatibility and bioactivity. Reported investigations encompassed comparison of functional properties of HA and HA+ZrO2 coatings (modified with 8%wt. Y2O3) as well as coatings remelted with laser beam. Microstructural and phase analyses of the coatings before and after remelting were carried out. In order to determine biocompatibility of the coatings after plasma spraying and remelting, corrosion resistance testing was also performed in Ringer’s solution.