Synthesis of hydroxyapatite coatings on metal substrates using a spincasting technique

Hydroxyapatite coatings on stainless steel substrates were prepared by a simple spincasting technique. Nanosized hydroxyapatite powders were prepared by precipitating in an electrolytic suspension, and then added to a polylactic acid solution for spincasting. The polylactic acid gave enhanced protection from corrosion and inhibited decomposition of the hydroxyapatite coating during the sintering process in air, a significant advantage over other solution processing techniques. Characterization of the phase composition and morphology of the fabricated films on stainless steel was accomplished by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.