Optimization of formation of phase pure hydroxyapatite and fabrication of electrochemically stable HAP coatings on 316L SS for orthopedic applications

Abstract

AbstractImpact of sintering temperature and aging time was investigated on purity and phase of hydroxyapatite powders synthesized through sol–gel process. Phase, composition, and morphology of the prepared hydroxyapatite powders were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Plausible mechanism respective to the formation of HAP from the precursors Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and triethyl phosphite (TEP) by sol–gel process was determined from 31P NMR analysis. Further, the development of hydroxyapatite coatings on 316L SS metallic surfaces was done by varying the spin coating parameters such as spin speed, spin time, and sintering atmosphere, and their corrosion resistance behavior in SBF solution was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and TAFEL polarization analysis. From the results, we inferred that the HAP coatings deposited on 316L SS surfaces at 3000 rpm/min under nitrogen atmosphere sintering have shown improved corrosion resistivity. The effect of aging time, sintering atmosphere, and spin speed was evaluated in terms of corrosion resistance behavior.