Colloidal characterization and electrophoretic deposition of hydroxyapatite on titanium substrate

Hydroxyapatite (HA) powders were prepared by a modified chemical co-precipitation method and electrophoretically deposited onto a titanium tubular substrate. The zeta potential, electromobility and the particle size of the HA suspension was characterized at various pH values and the most stable and dispersed suspension condition was identified. Electrophoretic deposition of the HA particles on the titanium substrate was then carried out at this optimum suspension condition. Studies on deposition rate and examination on the microstructure of the sintered deposit were performed. The stoichiometry of the HA before and after sintering were also confirmed. The deposition experimental data obtained in the present work was also compared with theoretical model proposed in the literature. Lastly, the adhesion strength of the coating was also quantified using shear strength tests. (C) 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers.