5th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE FRONTIERS OF PLASMA PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY

18-22 April 2011, Singapore, Republic of Singapore


EFFECT OF GUN CURRENT ON DEPOSITION OF CaZrO3 COATINGS ON SS316L BY AIR PLASMA SPRAYING FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

M. Khalid 1,2, R. S. Rawat 1, C. Zhong 3, M. Mujahid 2 and A. Nusair 2

1 NSSE, NIE, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616
2 Department of Materials and Surface Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
3 MSE, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore


Abstract.  CaZrO3 is high melting point ceramic material that is generally studied as coating for high temperature applications in aircrafts and land based power turbines. In this study 30 mol% calcia stabilized zirconia (CaZrO3) was deposited on SS316L substrate by atmospheric plasma spray (APS) technique as possible candidate for biomedical applications in orthopaedics and dentistry for medical implants. The coatings were deposited at three gun currents of 400A, 500A and 600A keeping gun to substrate distance fixed. Coatings were characterized by surface profilometery, SEM, XRD and wear tesing. Results indicate that coating deposited at 600A has highest coating thickness and highest roughness (Ra) values. Dipping the prepared coatings in simulated body fluid (SBF) exhibited precipitation of apatite as revealed by SEM and EDX analysis. The deposited coating will act as a barrier to diffusion of deleterious Ni ions from substrate to surrounding tissues and may enhance the bone in growth when implanted.