Combined laser/sol-gel synthesis of calcium silicate coating on Ti-6Al-4V substrates for improved cell integration

New studies have shown that tricalcium silicate powder is a bioactive material and can encourage bone-implant integration. This paper reports the synthesis of Ca2SiO4 coating on Ti-6Al-4V samples by laser irradiation under submerged conditions. The results of using a 160-1500 LDL 1.5 kW diode laser (rectangular spot = 2.5 mm × 3.5 mm, λ = 808 and 940 nm with equal intensities) is reported. A number of experiments were carried out varying laser parameters, such as scanning speed and laser power. Coatings are evaluated in terms of microstructure, elemental composition (XRD), SEM and wettability. The in vitro biocompatibility of the samples is investigated by monitoring 2T3 osteoblast cell growth on the samples.