D. Garcia-Alonso, J. Stokes, L. Looney, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; M. Parco, INASMET TECNICALIA, IRUN, Spain
Plasma Spraying of Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been widely used for biomedical applications, particularly for coating metallic implants. HA is an osteoconductive and bioactive ceramic, but lacks of the bulk mechanical strength required for human implantation. In order to overcome this limitation, this research proposes to add reinforcement materials of different natures (ceramic (YSZ), metallic (Ti) and polymeric (PEEK)) to the HA in order to fabricate free-standing bio-composites with improved strength/structure. The targeted application will be the development of biological scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
A low-energy plasma spraying equipment optimized for the HA deposition was used for this study. The process parameters were optimised to improve the stability and the thickness of the free-standing components. Early indications suggest that thicknesses up to 3 mm can be produced. Further research will involve the characterization of the dissolution behaviour of the components and cell growth viability.
Summary: This research work deals with the reinforcement of Hydroxyapatite layers with materials of different nature (ceramic (YSZ), metallic (Ti) and polymeric (PEEK)) for the development of free-standing bio-composites with improved strength/structure. A low-energy plasma spraying equipment, optimized for the deposition of apatites ceramics, was used for the fabrication of the free-standing biocomponents. The process parameters were optimised to improve the stability and the thickness of the coupons. The samples were characterised by OM, SEM, XRD and micro-hardness measurements. Optimising the spray conditions, it was possible to obtain free-standing coupons with thicknesses up to 3 mm and satisfactory mechanical properties. The targeted application will be the development of biological scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
