Microstructure, hardness and biocompatibility properties of ceramic based coatings produced by plasma spray method

Ceramic materials with excellent mechanical, corrosion, and abrasion resistance are widely used as biomaterials. In this study, Al₂O₃, Al₂O₃-40% TiO₂, ZrO₂-8% Y₂O₃, and Cr₂O₃-2% TiO₂ ceramic coatings were produced by plasma spraying on AISI 316L stainless steel surfaces. The study aimed to investigate the microstructure, hardness, and biocompatibility properties of these coatings. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) phase analysis were used to determine the microstructure and phase composition. Biocompatibility properties were assessed through cytotoxicity and viability analyses. SEM images show that the ceramic coatings adhere effectively to the substrate. XRD analyses reveal the formation of binary and ternary complex phases in the coating layers. Among the coatings, Cr₂O₃-2% TiO₂ exhibited the highest hardness. Biocompatibility tests indicated that Al₂O₃-40% TiO₂ coating demonstrated the best results in terms of cytotoxicity and compatibility.