Properties of Plasma Sprayed Al₂O₃-13TiO₂ and ZrO₂ Blended Coatings on Biomedical Alloy

Abstract

Plasma spray grade Al₂O₃-13TiO₂ and ZrO₂ powders were blended physically in different proportions (80 wt% Al₂O₃-13TiO₂ + 20 wt% ZrO₂, 20 wt% Al₂O₃-13TiO₂ + 80 wt% ZrO₂ and 50 wt% Al₂O₃-13TiO₂ + 50 wt% ZrO₂) and plasma sprayed on biomedical Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy using identical plasma spray parameters. Microstructural and phase analyses of the as-sprayed coatings were carried out using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Results showed that the 80% Al₂O₃-13TiO₂ + 20% ZrO₂ coating had enhanced corrosion and wear resistance compared to the other two compositions and appeared to be a propitious coating for biomedical application.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Plasma spray
• Hardness
• Corrosion
• Wear
• Microstructure