MPRC

Plasma Spraying of Hydroxyapatite

Tanya Levingstone and Dr. Lisa Looney Materials Processing Research Centre, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland National Centre for Plasma Science & Technology, Dublin City University, Ireland

Introduction:
Bioceramics have proven to be attractive materials for repairing and replacing body parts due to their biocompatibility. In many applications bioceramics are used in the form of bulk materials of a specific shape. However in loading bearing applications their inherent brittleness requires them to be used as a coating material on a tougher substrate. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a bioceramic that has a composition similar to that of bone. As well as improving biocompatibility, it encourages the ingrowth of bone and thus can be used as a method of fixation for implants such as total hip replacements and dental implants. Plasma spraying is the most common means of applying HA coatings to implant devices. It employs a plasma, or ionised gas, to melt the ceramic particulate and to carry it onto the surface of the substrate. [1] The plasma spraying process features complex plasma-particle interactions that can result in significant process variations that often adversely affect process repeatability [2] . Figure 1: Coated Implant Bone Interface [3]

Research:
Initially adaptations of a basic Hydroxyapatite system will be considered and subsequently optimum combinations of composition, bond coat and post spray treatment will be identified in order to significantly improve the quality of the biocoatings. Comprehensive characterisation of the coatings will be carried out in order to relate powder and process parameters to coating properties. Figure 2: Typical Plasma Spray System [4]

Project Aims:
There is currently a poor understanding of how coating deposition process variables influence phase composition, structure and chemical composition of coatings, which in turn affect in vivo performance factors including bioresorption, degradation, bone apposition and adhesion. The project aims to improve the understanding of the structure-property-process relationship to produce improved coatings vital in functional critical applications, such as bioengineering.

References:
[1] Larry L. Hench & June Wilson (editors), An Introduction to Bioceramics, World Scientific Publishing Co., Singapore, 1993. [2] J.R. Fincke, W.D. Swank, R.L. Bewley, D.C. Haggard, M. Gevelber, D. Wroblewski, Diagnostics and control in the thermal spray process, Surface and Coatings Technology, 146 147 (2001) 537-543 [3] Atlanta Health Pages [Online] www.healthpages.org (Accessed 05: 01: 04) [4] Sulzer Metco [Online] www. Sulzermetco.com (Accessed 05: 01: 04)