Quantitative texture analysis of a hydroxyapatite coatings plasma-sprayed on titanium substrates at different temperatures

Abstract

Artificial hydroxyapatite exhibits an excellent biocompatibility with tissues of human body. However, poor mechanical properties of hydroxyapatites and low reliability in wet environments restrict their use. These limitations can be overcome by applying the hydroxyapatite as a coating onto metallic implants. X-ray diffraction analysis (restoration of orientation distribution function from pole figures and the Rietveld method) and scanning electron microscopy have been used to study thick (~330 μm) plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings. The coatings were deposited onto Ti – 2Al – 1Mn alloy substrates, one of which was held at room temperature (20°C) whereas the other substrate was preheated to 550°C. The texture of the coating deposited on substrate held at room temperature is characterized by the (001)[510] orientation, the volume fraction of which is 0.08, while the coating deposited on preheated substrate has the (001)[410] orientation, the volume fraction of which is 0.10. Results of texture analysis are qualitatively supported by the Rietveld refinement data. The problem of the formation of basal texture in plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings is discussed in terms of quantitative texture analysis in relation to the differences in the substrate temperature and spraying parameters. It was concluded that the quantitative texture analysis is of importance for deeper understanding the effect of spraying parameters on the formation of hydroxyapatite coatings.