Abstract
Objectives Dental implant is a revolution in dentistry; some shortages are still a focus of
research. This study use long duration of radiofrequency (RF)–magnetron sputtering
to coat titanium (Ti) implant with hydroxyapatite (HA) to obtain a uniform, strongly
adhered in a few micrometers in thickness.
Materials and Methods Two types of substrates, discs and root form cylinders were prepared using a grade
1 commercially pure (CP) Ti rod. A RF–magnetron sputtering device was used to coat
specimens with HA. Magnetron sputtering was set at 150 W for 22 hours at 100°C under
continuous argon gas flow and substrate rotation at 10 rpm. Coat properties were evaluated
via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), scanning electron microscopy–energy
dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, atomic force microscopy, and Vickers hardness (VH).
Student’s t-test was used.
Results All FESEM images showed a homogeneous, continuous, and crack-free HA coat with a
rough surface. EDX analysis revealed inclusion of HA particles within the substrate
surface in a calcium (Ca)/phosphorus (P) ratio (16.58/11.31) close to that of HA.
Elemental and EDX analyses showed Ca, Ti, P, and oxygen within Ti. The FESEM views
at a cross-section of the substrate showed an average of 7 µm coat thickness. Moreover,
these images revealed a dense, compact, and uniform continuous adhesion between the
coat layer and the substrate. Roughness result indicated highly significant difference
between uncoated Ti and HA coat (p-value < 0.05). A significant improvement in the
VH value was observed when coat hardness was compared with the Ti substrate hardness
(p-value < 0.05).
Conclusion Prolonged magnetron sputtering successfully coat Ti dental implants with HA in micrometers
thickness which is well adhered essentially in excellent osseointegration.
Keywords
dental implant - field emission scanning electron microscopy - hydroxylapatite - magnetron
sputtering - titanium - Vickers hardness
