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Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 11:10 AM
BIC4.2

Plasma Sprayed Hydroxyapatite-Carbon Nanotube Composite Coating: Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization

K. Balani, M. Andara, A. Agarwal, Florida International University, Miami, FL

The excellent biocompatibility and osteointegration are the key characteristics of bioceramic Hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings. Owing to brittle nature of HAp, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) are incorporated as reinforcement for improving its fracture toughness. Coating is deposited onto Ti-6Al-4V substrate using plasma spraying technique. X-ray diffraction is used to quantify the degree of crystallinity and generated phases, mainly tricalcium phosphate (TCP), amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP), and CaO in the sprayed coating. SEM and TEM characterization are performed for evaluating coating-substrate interface properties and formed microstructure. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy is performed for phase-analysis of HAp coatings. Fracture toughness is obtained by assessing radial cracks generated via Vickers indentation.


Summary: The effect of mulitwalled nanotubes on fracture toughness of hydroxyapatite ceramic coating will be presented.