Bioactive and Tribological Behaviour of Atmospheric Plasma Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coatings Reinforced by Lanthanum Oxide

Lanthanum oxide (La2O3) reinforced Hydroxyapatite coating was deposited by using unique gas tunnel type plasma spray torch under optimum spraying conditions. The phase and microstructure of the as-prepared powder and coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). In vitro bioactivity of the plasma sprayed lanthanum oxide reinforced hydroxyapatite coatings were investigated by using simulated body fluid solution. Results showed that there was onset of apatite formation on the surface of coatings after 15 days of immersion in SBF, while after 19 days of immersion in SBF it was indicated that a HCAp phase crystallized on their surface. Our studies demonstrate that lanthanum oxide reinforced hydroxyapatite coatings are potentially useful biomaterials with good tribological and bioactive behaviour