Electrophoretic coating of hydroxyapatite-boron nitride nanocomposites on titanium implants

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys have long been used as implant materials in dental and orthopedic applications. However, they can suffer certain disadvantages, such as poor osteoinductive properties and low corrosive-wear resistance. The potential of hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings to enhance the long-term stability of the bond between metallic implants and the surrounding bone structure has been well documented. The HAp-coated implant can combine the high mechanical strength of the metal with the excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity of the ceramic and is therefore suitable for implants in high load-bearing applications. Recently, in order to improve the mechanical properties of the HAp coating itself, HAp composite coatings can used. Accordingly, nano-sized hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)-HAp composites coated on Ti by Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process and structural and morphological properties of coatings were investigated. For the structural characterization, XRD, Raman Spectroscopy and EDS were used, and for the identification of morphology and surface features, TEM, SEM and FIB and AFM techniques were utilized. Acknowledgements: 112M592, 112M590 TUBITAK Primary Subjects R&D Funding Program projects are gratefully acknowledged for the financial support.