THE SUSPENSION PLASMA SPRAYING OF BIOCERAMICS BY INDUCTION PLASMA

Suspension plasma spraying (SPS) is a single-step process for the prep aration of thick coatings or for the production of powder using radio- frequency inductively coupled thermal plasma technology. SPS is based on a liquid suspension of very fine (<10 mu m) or even ultrafine (<100 nm) powders axially fed into the radio-frequency plasma flame through an atomization probe. This article reports the results of the prepara tion by SPS of thick coatings and spherical powders of bioceramics, na mely, hydroxyapatite. Characterization of the hydroxyapatite. coatings and atomized powders are reported. Process variables are studied as a function of phase structure and crystallinity of the obtained hydroxy apatite material.