Laser cladding of Ag-HA composite layer on Ti6Al4V

Abstract

Metallic materials are commonly used in orthopedic implants due to their high mechanical strength. Implant loosening and bacterial infection are the two major causes of implant failure in most of the cases, and they arise from inadequate bioactivity and anti-bacterial effect at the surface of the implant. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is well known to be bioactive while silver (Ag) possesses strong anti-bacterial effect. It is the aim of the present paper to fabricate an Ag-containing HA layer on Ti6Al4V substrate. Ag-containing powder was first prepared via a chemical route and then used in laser cladding on Ti6Al4V substrate. The Ag-containing HA powder and laser clad layer were characterized using SEM, EDS, and XRD. It is found that the composition and phases in the Ag-containing HA powder were essentially retained after laser cladding.Metallic materials are commonly used in orthopedic implants due to their high mechanical strength. Implant loosening and bacterial infection are the two major causes of implant failure in most of the cases, and they arise from inadequate bioactivity and anti-bacterial effect at the surface of the implant. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is well known to be bioactive while silver (Ag) possesses strong anti-bacterial effect. It is the aim of the present paper to fabricate an Ag-containing HA layer on Ti6Al4V substrate. Ag-containing powder was first prepared via a chemical route and then used in laser cladding on Ti6Al4V substrate. The Ag-containing HA powder and laser clad layer were characterized using SEM, EDS, and XRD. It is found that the composition and phases in the Ag-containing HA powder were essentially retained after laser cladding.