Surface Design Using Laser Rapid Manufacturing for Ti64-Hopeite Orthopedic Implants

Abstract

Although hopeite bioceramic coatings have already proven effective for achieving better osseointegration and antibacterial character, but the detachment of hopeite coatings during implanting of coated implants can negatively affect the hopeite bioactivity in the physiological environment. To overcome this issue, the present research work proposes a new process route of laser rapid manufacturing (LRM) for depositing hopeite coatings with the metallurgical bond. Microstructure, phase composition, microhardness, antibacterial efficacy, and bioactivity were evaluated using scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Vickers microhardness tester, fluorescence-activated cell sorting technique, simulated body fluid immersion test respectively. The promising results obtained from these characterizations and testing establishes a new process route LRM as an effective alternative to deposit multifunctional hopeite coatings on metallic prosthetic–orthopedic implants.