Synthesis and characterization of alumina-fluorapatite coatings deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying

In this work, the effect of an alumina (Al2O3)-fluorapatite(Fap: Ca10(PO4)6F2) composite coating on 316 L stainless steel was investigated. Only a small amount of fluorapatite (6.68% Fap corresponding to 0. 25% fluor) was introduced into alumina using a mixture of powders to increase the bioactivity of the coatings. The mixed powders were deposited onto 316 L SS substrates using atmospheric plasma spraying. The characteristics of the coatings were investigated with various methods including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD). The bioactivity of the Al2O3/Fapcomposite was evaluated by immersing the samples in simulated body fluid (SBF). Al2O3/Fap coating showed excellent behavior in vitro test revealing that the Fap is quite effective in improving biocompatibility.