Solution Precursor Plasma Spraying (SPPS): A novel and simple process to obtain bioactive glass coatings

This research addresses the use of an emerging plasma spray technique known as Solution Precursor Plasma Spraying (SPPS) to obtain bioactive glass coatings. In SPPS, the feedstock is a sol precursor of the bioactive glass instead of glass particles. Precursor feedstock composition (presence or not of acid catalyst), plasma torch enthalpy and stand-off distance of the spraying process have been varied to produce bioactive glass coatings of nominally 45S5 composition. A good quality coating was obtained when catalyst (0.2 M acid nitric) was used in the precursor and the plasma spraying took place with shorter stand-off distance and higher plasma enthalpy. Bioactivity in Simulated Body Fluid test was confirmed and an effect of the coating interconnected porosity to enhance bioactivity was observed.