Hydroxyapatite-Bioceramic/Expanded Perlite Hybrid Composites Coating on Ti₆Al₄V by Hydrothermal Method and in vitro...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Titanium alloys (Ti6Al4V) are widely used in implants but can suffer from poor bioactivity.
• Developing bioactive coatings is crucial for improving implant osseointegration and longevity.
• Hybrid bioceramic composites offer potential for enhanced biocompatibility and mechanical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel hybrid bioceramic composite coating on Ti6Al4V.
• To investigate the effect of expanded perlite (EP) and chitosan reinforcement on coating properties.
• To evaluate the in vitro bioactivity and apatite formation of the coated surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HA) reinforced with varying ratios of EP and chitosan.
• Coating application onto Ti6Al4V followed by sintering.
• In vitro immersion in Ringer's solution for up to 25 days.
• Characterization using SEM, EDX, FTIR, and surface roughness analysis.

Main Results:

• Increased EP reinforcement led to greater coating thickness and surface roughness.
• The optimal EP ratio was determined to be 10 wt.%.
• Higher calcium (Ca) to phosphate (P) ratios promoted surface activity and hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) layer formation.
• Apatite structure formation increased with prolonged immersion time.

Conclusions:

• The developed hybrid bioceramic coating enhances the bioactivity of Ti6Al4V.
• The 10 wt.% EP reinforced composite shows promising results for implant applications.
• The coating promotes apatite layer formation, indicating good biocompatibility and osseointegration potential.