LAUSR

ABSTRACT Hydroxyapatite–zirconia (HA–ZrO2) nanocomposite coatings were prepared on Ti–6Al–7Nb implant by electrophoretic deposition at constant voltage of 50 V. The influence of zirconia content on the phase transition, morphological evolution, wettability and in vitro cyto-compatibility, together with the bioactivity of the nanostructured coatings was examined. From the X-ray diffractometer patterns, a tangible increase and decrease in the peak intensity and width of the characteristic peaks were observed after subsequent sintering at 1000°C for 1 h under a constant flow of argon gas. The sintered HA and HA–ZrO2 composite coatings showed higher hydrophilicity than the bare substrate. From the in vitro bioassays, surface treatment of Ti67 implant by HA–ZrO2 nanocomposite coating increased the cell response as well as the apatite formability, in simulated body fluid within 5 days of incubation.