Calcium silicate layer on titanium fabricated by electrospray deposition

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Titanium implants are widely used but face challenges with osseointegration.
• Bioactive coatings are crucial for improving implant-host integration.
• Developing effective and robust coating methods is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bioactive calcium silicate (CaSi) coating on titanium (Ti) implants.
• To enhance the bond strength and corrosion resistance of CaSi coatings on Ti.
• To investigate the effect of electrospray deposition and post-annealing on coating properties.

Main Methods:

• Green synthesis of calcium silicate (CaSi) powder.
• Electrospray deposition of CaSi onto Ti implant surfaces.
• Post-annealing treatment in air at various temperatures (700-900°C).
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction, SEM, SNMS, Raman spectroscopy.
• Measurement of bond strength and corrosion resistance.

Main Results:

• A uniform CaSi coating (approx. 1 μm thickness) was successfully deposited.
• Annealing at 700-800°C formed a rutile TiO2 layer without altering the β-Ca2SiO4 composition.
• Bond strength was significantly enhanced after annealing at 700°C or 800°C.
• Annealed coatings exhibited improved corrosion resistance compared to as-prepared coatings.

Conclusions:

• Electrospray deposition combined with post-annealing is a viable method for creating structured CaSi coatings on Ti implants.
• Optimized annealing conditions enhance the mechanical stability and durability of bioactive coatings.
• This approach holds promise for improving the performance of dental and orthopedic implants.