Production of hydroxyapatite coating on 3D printed PLA parts by powder bed annealing

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Abstract

The development of effective and biocompatible coatings for polymeric implants is crucial for advancing orthopedic solutions. This study investigates the feasibility of employing powder bed annealing to deposit hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) parts. The proposed method provides a cost-effective and scalable alternative to conventional coating techniques. The experimental process involved immersing PLA parts in a submicrometric ceramic powder bed followed by thermal treatment to induce adhesion and diffusion of HA particles into the polymer surface. The results demonstrated that the powder bed annealing process successfully generated a uniform HA particulate coating, significantly enhancing the surface roughness, wettability, and hydrophilicity of the PLA substrate. Mechanical characterization revealed an increase in flexural strength and surface microhardness, while maintaining impact resistance. However, a slight reduction in ductility was observed. Biocompatibility tests confirmed that the coated samples supported cell adhesion and proliferation, suggesting their potential for promoting osseointegration in biomedical applications. Compared to existing methods, powder bed annealing allows for the direct integration of bioactive coatings onto polymeric implants without requiring complex post-processing. Additionally, the combination of PLA’s biodegradability with HA’s osteoinductive properties suggests promising applications for resorbable implants in bone regeneration. This study contributes to the ongoing innovation in bioactive coatings, offering a practical pathway to accessible and personalized orthopedic implants.

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