Testing and characterization of sintered β-tricalcium phosphate coat upon zirconia dental implant using Nd:YAG laser

This study aims to fabricate and assess the β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bioactive ceramic coat layer on bioinert ceramic zirconia implants through the direct laser melting technique by applying a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser of 1064 nm. Surface morphologies, adherence, and structural change in the coatings were evaluated by optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, hardness, and x-ray diffractometer. The elastic modulus (EM) of the coating was also determined using the nanoindentation test. The quality of the coating was improved when the laser power was 90 W with a decrease in the scan speed to 4 mm s−1. The chemical composition of the coat was maintained after laser processing; also, the Energy Dispersive X-ray maps showed a good distribution of Ca and P particles with some agglomeration on the surface. The crystalline nature of the β-TCPs coat can be concluded from the sharp peaks in the x-ray diffraction patterns. EM was low near the top surface of the coat and increased gradually with the depth. The microhardness value of a coated substrate was lower than the hardness value of a control substrate. Unlike conventional deposition techniques, laser processes can be used to build a coat with optimum bonding and desirable mechanical properties, indicating that processing and coating seem to be attractive for bioinert ceramic zirconia implants.