HA/ZnO coatings with varying content of ZnO were fabricated on Ti-6Al-4V substrate to enhance its bioactivity and antibacterial ability. The main phases are identified as CaTiO3, Ca3(PO4)2, ZnTiO3 and CaO. The coatings with higher ZnO content presented smaller grain size, resulting in a higher surface free energy and better wettability. Consequently, the mineralization of the ZnO/HA coatings, especially for the higher ZnO content samples were improved, indicating better enhanced in vitro bioactivity. The ZnO-HA coated Ti-6Al-4V presented better corrosion resistance than bare Ti-6Al-4V substrate. Furthermore, better corrosion resistance was obtained by increasing ZnO content in the precursor. The antimicrobial ratio of all coatings was approximately 100%, indicating the ZnO doped HA coatings presented excellent antibacterial ability.
Keywords:
ZnO/HA coating; wettability; in vitro bioactivity; bio-corrosion resistance; antibacterial ability
