Microstructures of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite-coated Ti-6Al-4V dental implants
Tufekci, E.; Brantley, W.A.; Mitchell, J.C.; McGlumphy, E.A.
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants 12(1): 25-31
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0882-2786 PMID: 9048451 Document Number: 481273
The purpose of this study was to investigate the microstructure of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings and the elemental composition near the coating-substrate interface for two commercial implants, using the scanning electron microscope. Both coating surfaces and cross-sectioned specimens were examined. The results indicated that while the surface microstructures of both implants were consistent with the plasma-spraying process, the scale of the constituents was much finer for one product. In cross-section, both coatings exhibited minimal porosity and intimate contact with the titanium alloy substrate. It was found that limited interdiffusion of titanium and calcium occurred near the interface.