IN-VITRO TESTING OF PLASMA-SPRAYED HYDROXYAPATITE COATINGS

Hydroxyapatite-coated coupons were tested in various physiological media. Immersion in Ringer's solution showed that heat-treated coatings displayed a weight gain but the as-sprayed coatings underwent a weight loss. Dissolution of the coating was measured by weighing the specimen before and after ageing. Immersion of hydroxyapatite coatings showed the appearance of small spheres that were identified by X-ray diffraction as hydroxyapatite. Changes in coating morphology were detected and the coating degradation mechanisms are discussed. This paper thus looks at the morphology, composition, crystallinity and dissolution of hydroxyapatite coatings aged in Ringer's solution.