Plasma-Sprayed Manganese-Containing Tricalcium Phosphate Coatings on Titanium

Manganese-substituted tricalcium phosphates (TCPs), Ca3(PO4)2, containing 0–1.49 wt % manganese have been prepared by heterophase synthesis using mechanical activation. The percentage of manganese has been determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The compounds have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ceramic coatings have been produced using an arc plasma source. The coatings have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and SEM with the use of energy dispersive X-ray analysis. They have been shown to consist of α-TCP and hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2). Manganese ions have been shown to be incorporated into the crystal lattice of TCP. After holding in physiological solution at pH 7.4 for 90 days, neither manganese nor phosphorus was detected in the coatings. After holding in physiological solution, the coatings consisted of calcium carbonate, as was demonstrated by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The coatings produced on titanium implants are promising for use in orthopedics and dentistry.