Biomimetic Preparation and Characterization of Bioactive Coatings on Alumina and Zirconia Ceramics

Volume 93 Issue 1, Pages 288 – 294

Irena Priboič, Sabina Beranič Klopčič, Tomaž Kosmač
Published
Online: Oct 29 2009 6:06PM

DOI: 10.1111/j.1551-2916.2009.03397.x

ABSTRACT
For the preparation of bioactive coatings on alumina and
zirconia ceramic surfaces a fast biomimetic method using a
supersaturated solution containing Na⁺, Ca²⁺,
Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻,
and PO₄³⁻ ions was
used. The coatings were analysed with the use of an X-ray diffraction
spectrometer and a transmission electron microscope equipped with an
energy-dispersive spectroscopy detector. After the precipitation both
coatings were composed of poorly crystallized, nanosized, plate-like
particles with the octacalcium phosphate (OCP) crystal structure. The
adhesion of the coatings was improved by a heat treatment at 1050°C for 1
h. During this heat treatment the calcium phosphate layer, deposited
from a supersaturated solution onto the surface of the substrates, was
sintered to form a dense coating. At the same time the OCP crystal
structure was transformed into that of hydroxyl apatite, the coating’s
crystallinity was increased, and the particles grew isotropically up to
300 nm in size. The bioactivity of the coated ceramic was confirmed
before and after the heat treatment using a simple simulated body fluid
test.

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