Improvement in Bioactivity Properties of Hydroxyapatite Coated Ti-6Al-4V ELI with Addition of Zirconium Oxide for Orthopaedic Implant

One of factor causing the failure of Ti-6Al-4V Extra Low Interstitial (ELI)-based material implants, does not have bioactive properties in the implantation process, thus not supporting the osseointegration process in the body. For this reason, coating with hydroxyapatite (HA) suspension is necessary. This research used the dip-coating method and added Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) into nanosized commercial HA to be suspensions (17%wt and 20%wt) to strengthen the adhesion of the coating. The specimens were heated at 800, 900, and 950°C to densify the layers. Bioactivity increased along with the increasing calcium/phosphate (Ca/P) ratio of the HA layers in the test specimens. The specimens were immersed in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF), namely Hank’s Solution, for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. ZrO2 added to the HA suspensions of Ti-6Al-4V ELI can increase the Ca/P ratio from 1.51 in the first immersion week to 1.62 in the fourth. The bioactivity level is also proven by the accumulation of calcium and phosphate on the surface of the coating. The Ca/P value close to the Ca/P ratio of HA of 1.67 is good for improving the osseointegration process in the body.