Papers by Author: Georgina García-Ruiz

Abstract: Hydroxyapatite, porcelain and wollastonite coatings on stainless steel 316L were produced by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) in ethanol and acetone using a voltage between 200 and 1000 V during 0.5 to 60 s. The particle size distribution of the starting suspension was 0.3 to 4.9 microns with an average size of 1.5 microns. The coatings were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The amount of ceramic material on the surface of the metallic samples was evaluated by determining their difference in weight before and after the electrophoretic deposition process. The conductivity and zeta potential of the dispersing media were also evaluated. Dense, homogeneous and crack-free green coatings were obtained. The deposition rate was higher by using acetone as dispersing media. The higher zeta potential and the lower viscosity were attributed to be the cause of the better electrophoretic deposition of the acetone and methanol ceramic suspensions. Submicron particle coatings were then sintered between 800 and 1000 C during 2 h. The sintered coatings presented a very homogeneous polycrystalline structure free of cracks. The results show that the application of high voltage during short periods of time is an effective method to obtain ceramic coatings with good sinterability.

Abstract: Hydroxyapatite (HAP) was electrophoretically deposited on 316L stainless steel in order to promote a bioactive surface. The effect of dispersing media (water and acetone), applied voltage and the deposition time on the deposit weight and microstructure of the coatings was evaluated. The deposition time was varied in the range of 1 to 900 s for water suspensions and 0.5 to 180 s for acetone suspensions. Suspensions were prepared by using HAP powder with an average particle size of 1.5 μm at a concentration of 1 % by weight. The deposition was performed under a direct current (DC) field of 400 to 1000 V for acetone suspensions and 5 to 50 V for water suspensions. The coatings were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The amount of hydroxyapatite on the surface of the metallic substrate was evaluated by determining the difference in weight of the samples, before and after the electrophoretic process. The stabilization of HAP particles in water was achieved using 1 % by weight of Dispex N40TM and 0.001M KCl. Under this condition the zeta potential of HAP in water suspension was –28 mV. Non additive was required in acetone suspensions. Dense, homogeneous and crack-free coatings of sub-micron particles (0.63 mg/cm2) were obtained by applying 5 V during 60 s in water suspensions. Above a DC field of 5 V the hydrolysis of water seriously difficulties the coatings formation. Homogeneous and crack-free coatings of sub-micron particles (1.45 mg/cm2) were also obtained in acetone suspensions applying 400 to 1000 V during 5 s. Lower voltages were not used with acetone suspensions due to its high resistivity.