Adherence of ceramic coatings on chromium-cobalt structures

A method has been developed for the consistent adherence of flame-sprayed ceramic coatings to Vitallium. The critical step involves etching the metal by the anodic polarization technique. This procedure allows complex geometrics to be corroded evenly, and, by suitable choice of etching solution and conditions, enables any metal to be substituted. The bond is capable of sustaining more severe deflections than are experienced during intraoral function. Despite the number of cracks generated during testing, the ceramic layer remains intact. The ceramic-metal bond is mechanical. The corroded surface provides greater surface area, thus permitting a number of retention sites. Analysis of the ceramic microstructure finds it to be suitable for tissue ingrowth.