Thermal Spray in Biomedical Applications
Thermal spray coatings in medical fields mainly involve prosthetic devices constructed from bio-inert materials such as stainless steel, CoCrMo alloys, or TiAlV alloys.
Coated Prostheses:
- Hip
- Knee
- Arm
- Tooth
Bio-Inert Coating Requirements:
- A large porosity, in order to enlarge the surface of the prosthesis
- Biocompatibility and stability in the body
- Reasonably good adhesion to the prosthesis
- The coating must not become detached after ‘in-growth’ of the bone.