Characterisation of Plasma Sprayed HAp Coatings on Ti Alloys

Biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings have led to its use in a wide range of applications in both dentistry and orthopaedics. The plasma spraying method is the most commonly used method for the production of Hap (Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH) coatings on Ti alloys. When HAp is injected into the plasma jet, several phases can coexist under the effect of a temperature gradient occurring in the bulk of the particle. The amounts of residual compounds, amorphous and recrystallized phases are related to the conditions of spraying such as gas flow rates, feed rate, spray distance, plasma current and cooling effect. Plasma-sprayed HAp coatings were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.