Hydroxyapatite/metal composite coatings formed by electrocodeposition.

Early bone infusion by cementless fixation of composite orthopedic and dental implants consisting of metallic substrates and bioceramics is well documented. Calcium phosphate ceramics in general and hydroxyapatite (HA) in particular have been the most popular of the bioceramics used for coating metals. Here, a non-line of sight coating procedure by electrocodeposition is reported for mechanically fixing HA particles in a metal matrix. Analyses of the coating showed excellent adhesion to the substrate and no structural transformation in either crystallinity or stoichiometry. Adhesion and surface coverage of HA depended upon the particle size. As a demonstration of the coating procedure's non-line of sight applicability, it was successfully used to coat titanium rods sintered with small titanium spheres.