Effect of Ceria Additive on Microstructure and Properties of Laser-Cladded Bioceramic Coating

The calcium phosphate bioceramic coating was fabricated on titanium alloy (Ti-6A1-4V) substrate by a 5kW continuous transverse flow CO2 laser. Due to the peculiar role of rare earth oxide in laser cladding, the effect of ceria additive on the microstructure and properties of laser-cladded bioceramic coating was investigated by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), microhardness and corrosion resistance testing. The results indicate that the appearance of rare earth oxide ceria in the precursor powders has an impact on the microstructure and properties of the laser-cladded bioceramic coating. Calcium phosphate bioceramic such as hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) are synthesized on the top surface of laser-cladded specimens. And the addition of rare earth oxide ceria in pre-placed powders has an influence on the formation of calcium phosphate bioceramic phases. Furthermore, it reveals that the laser-cladded bioceramic coating of ceria additive in pre-placed powders has more favorable microhardness and corrosion resistance compared with the coating without rare earth oxide.