Electrophoretic deposition of zirconia‐Bioglass® composite coatings for biomedical implants

Abstract

Abstract Composite bilayer coatings on Ti6Al4V substrates were prepared by electrophoretic deposition, a simple and fast low temperature coating technique. Biocompatible yttrium‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) in the form of nanoparticles and bioactive Bioglass® (45S5) in the form of microparticles were chosen as coating materials. The first layer consisted of 5 μm of YSZ, deposited with the intention to avoid any metal tissue contact. The second layer consisted of 15‐μm thick 45S5‐YSZ composite, supposed to react with the surrounding bone tissue and to enhance implant fixation. The adsorption of YSZ nanoparticles on 45S5 microparticles in organic suspension was found to invert the surface charge of the 45S5 particles from negative to positive. This enabled cathodic electrophoretic deposition of 45S5, avoiding uncontrolled anodization (oxidation) of the substrate. The coatings were sintered at 900°C for 2 h under argon flow. The characterization was performed using SEM, EDX, and nanoindentation (cross section). Potential applications in the orthopedics field are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007