Microscopic features of hydroxyapatite coatings deposited by a modified sol-gel technique

The formation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings deposited from a sol-gel precursor were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. HAp coatings were deposited on titanium substrates from precursor sols prepared from calcium nitrate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate and glycine. Precursor sols were dip -coated onto titanium substrates and pre fired at 400 deg C for 30 minutes. Formation of HAp was identified using X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The energy and weight changes of the coatings during heat-treatment were recorded by differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Microscopic features of the coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscope. This work illustrates the utilization of a novel sol-gel technique to deposit HAp coatings onto titanium substrates. Copyright (2000) The Australian Ceramic Society