Abstract
This study examined the mechanical and biological properties of titanium alloy implant cores with a buffer layer from zirconia and a coating of hydroxyapatite created with pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The thickness of the zirconia layer was 50 - 100 nm and the hydroxyapatite layer ~600 nm.
We measured crystallinity, morphology, wettability and Ca/P ratio of the hydroxyapatite layer. The methods used for physical evaluation were electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, goniometric measurement of contact angle and wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis.
The physical tests summarized good mechanical properties and a satisfactory adhesion to a titanium core modified with zirconia and hydroxyapatite. PLD was found to be a promising method of applying thin films to a metal core for dental implants.