A novel and rapid route to synthesize polyvinyl alcohol/calcium phosphate nanocomposite coatings by microwave assisted deposition

The nanocomposite of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) was deposited on titanium by an innovative microwave assisted deposition. The deposition parameters, such as polymer concentration and deposition time, were optimized to attain a homogeneous, crack free and adhesive coating on the substrate. The nanocomposite coatings were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM); in addition, photoluminescence and wettability were also examined. There was no significant variation in the crystallite size and microstrain; however, enhanced photoluminescence and reduced particle size, pore size and wettability were observed on increasing the PVA incorporation. This technique is fast and versatile, and could produce a homogeneous nanocomposite coating simultaneously, on many substrates in a single step. The properties of nanocomposite coatings enable them to be used as promising materials for bone replacement, protein adsorption and biosensors.