Investigation of hydroxyapatite-titanium composite properties during heat treatment

A biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HA) coating with a thickness of about 18–20 microns was successfully deposited by radiofrequency (RF) magnetron sputtering on titanium substrates VT1-0. The data obtained for the optimal composition and structure of hydroxyapatite can be used to create coating which will interact with a titanium substrate. Using the methods of optical and SEM, AFM, electron microprobe, FTIR and X-ray analysis, surface morphology, phase and elemental composition, structure of hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings were studied. Structural and phase transformations after heat treatment using X-ray diffraction and microscopic methods of analysis were studied. It was found that after annealing coating phase analysis showed the presence of not only hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3OH), but also compounds of tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) and titanium oxide. Adhesivetribological durability, friction and deformation characteristics of hydroxyapatite coating on titanium substrate were determined. The obtained coatings had high hardness, wear resistance and adhesion to the substrate and low modulus of elasticity and coefficient of friction.