Characterization of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite/TiO2 composite coatings

To enhance the bonding between hydroxyapatite (HA) coating and titanium alloy substrate, HA/TiO₂ composite coatings have been fabricatedvia plasma spraying. Bonding strength evaluation, simulated body fluid tests, and cell culturein vitro were carried out to characterize the composite coatings. The results obtained showed that the addition of TiO₂ to HA coating improved the bonding strength of the coating significantly. After being immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for a period, the surfaces of HA/TiO₂ composite coatings were completely covered by carbonate-containing apatite, which indicated that the coatings possess good bioactivity. Thein vitro cell culture indicated good cytocompatibility for HA/TiO₂ composite coatings.