Crystallisation kinetics of hydroxyapatite thin films prepared by sol-gel process

In this study, the crystallisation of nano hydroxyapatite (HA) films on stainless steel 316L was studied. The film was prepared by sol-gel technique. The process was started with preparation of an HA sol. After aging of the sol at room temperature, a stainless steel 316L substrate was dip coated and then was heat treated from 350 to 450°C at different periods of time in air. The crystallisation behaviour and the transformation-temperature-time diagram of HA films were achieved and analysed using the avrami equation. The results showed that the crystallisation of HA began at 250°C and was increased up to 450°C. The obtained HA film showed a nanostructure character with a suitable crystalinity after heat treatment.