Structural characterization of ion beam sputter deposited calcium phosphate coatings

Arf ion beam sputter deposition was used to produce thin calcium phosphate (hydroxyl poly calcium sodium phosphate, HPPA) coating on polished titanium substrate. In this study, HPPA ceramic target was sputtered by an argon-io n beam with energy of 0.9 keV, 1.2 keV and 1.5 keV, respectively. X-Ray dif fraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier trans form infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the as-sputtere d coatings. XRD analysis and TEM observation revealed that the as-sputtered coating was amorphous. No distinct hydroxyl band was observed in the typic al FTIR transmittance spectra, and new absorption bands were determined for CO32-, which was brought about during the deposition process. SEM observat ion results indicated that the as-sputtered coatings were uniform and dense . Preliminary scratch measurements suggest a strongly bonded HPPA coating o n the titanium substrate. It was concluded from this study that the ion bea m deposition technique could be used to produce thin calcium phosphate coat ings for use on orthopedic and dental metallic implants. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.