Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan/Hydroxyapatite Sol-Gel Coating on Ti-6Al-4V

A biocomposite coating containing chitosan and hydroxyapatite was developed on Ti-6Al-4V substrate by a sol-gel method in order to obtain a biocompatible and antimicrobial implant surface which can be used to create a smooth transmucosal region for a faster and better wound healing and an increased bioactivity. The coatings characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and differential thermal analysis (DTG). Scratch test was carried out to evaluate the adhesion between the coated film and the substrates. The critical load at which the coating film was peeled off from the substrate is determined by using the spherical diamond stylus. The results revealed that the coating roughness is approximately 0.23. The critical load for debonding the coating film from the substrate was determined between 6 to 11N. Only a little wear debris was come out from the coating film in the initial stage of a small-applied load. With increasing the load, the coating film became crushed and finally worn away.