Bioactivity of plasma sprayed dicalcium silicate coatings

Dicalcium silicate coatings on titanium alloys substrates were prepared by plasma spraying and immersed in simulated body fluids for a period of time to investigate the nucleation and growth of apatite on the surface of the coatings. Surface structural changes of the specimens were analyzed by XRD and IR technologies. SEM and EDS were used to observe surface morphologies and determine the composition of dicalcium silicate coatings before and after immersion in simulated body fluid. The plasma sprayed dicalcium silicate coating was bonding tightly to the substrate. The coating was mainly composed of β-Ca2SiO4 and glassy phase. A dense carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite (CHA) layer was formed on the surface of the plasma sprayed dicalcium silicate coating soaked in SBF solution for 2 days. In addition, a silica-rich layer was also observed between CHA layer and coatings. With an increase in the immersion time, the CHA layer gradually became thicker. The results obtained indicated that the plasma sprayed dicalcium silicate coating possesses excellent bioactivity.