Optimisation of fluorapatite coating synthesis applied to a biodegradable substrate. (4th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Caligari Conti, Malcolm; Xerri, Gianella; Peyrouzet, Florian; Wismayer, Pierre Schembri; Sinagra, Emmanuel; Mantovani, Diego; Vella, Daniel; Buhagiar, Joseph
• Is Part Of: Surface engineering. Volume 35:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 255
• Page End: 265
• Publication Date: 2019-03-04
• Subjects: Fluorapatite -- bioresorbable -- coating -- degradable -- synthesis -- powder -- sol–gel -- optimisation; Surfaces (Technology) -- Periodicals; Coatings -- Periodicals; 620.4405
• DOI: 10.1080/02670844.2018.1491510
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-0844

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Fluorapatite was synthesised using the sol–gel route at three different pH values and aged for a number of days. The coating that was determined to be of optimal morphology was then applied to a pure iron substrate and to an austenitic stainless steel, the latter serving as a control. Deposited fluorapatite coatings were characterised by means of X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Crystalline fluorapatite was successfully produced at temperatures as low as 250°C. Temperatures of 250°C and higher caused carbonated fluorapatite, present at 150°C, to transform into fluorapatite. Neutralisation of the sol before coating was found to give rise to a less soluble product when immersed in Hank's solution at 37°C and 5% CO2 . Coatings on pure iron and stainless steel substrates were produced by neutralising the sol to pH 7 and heat treatment at 250°C. This generated a morphology which could potentially aid in cellular attachment.