Structural characterization of ion beam sputter deposited calcium phosphate coatings

Ar+ ion beam sputter deposition was used to produce thin calcium phosphate (hydroxyl poly calcium sodium phosphate, HPPA) coating on polished titanium substrate. In this study, HPPA ceramic target was sputtered by an argon-ion beam with energy of 0.9 keV, 1.2 keV and 1.5 keV, respectively. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the as-sputtered coatings. XRD analysis and TEM observation revealed that the as-sputtered coating was amorphous. No distinct hydroxyl band was observed in the typical FTIR transmittance spectra, and new absorption bands were determined for CO32−, which was brought about during the deposition process. SEM observation results indicated that the as-sputtered coatings were uniform and dense. Preliminary scratch measurements suggest a strongly bonded HPPA coating on the titanium substrate. It was concluded from this study that the ion beam deposition technique could be used to produce thin calcium phosphate coatings for use on orthopedic and dental metallic implants.