X-ray diffraction analysis of hydroxyapatite-coated in different plasma gas atmosphere on Ti and Ti-6Al-4V

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to study the effect of plasma working gas on composition, crystallinity, and microstructure of hydroxyapatite (HA) coated on Ti and Ti-6Al-4V metal substrates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ti and Ti-6Al-4V metal substrates were coated with HA by plasma spray using four plasma gas atmospheres of argon, argon/hydrogen, nitrogen, and nitrogen/hydrogen. The degree of crystallinity, the phases present, and microstructure of HA coating were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Variation in crystallinity and the microstructure of HA coating on plasma gas atmosphere was observed. Micro-cracks due to thermal stresses and shift in the 2θ angle of HA compared to feedstock was seen. CONCLUSION: Plasma gas atmosphere has a significant influence on composition, crystallinity, and micro-cracks of HA-coated dental implants.