Biomedical subjects

P Cheang

Publications and source records attributed to P Cheang.

32 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Radio frequency (RF) suspension plasma sprayed ultra-fine hydroxyapatite (HA)/zirconia composite powders.

Ultra-fine hydroxyapatite (HA)/ZrO(2) composite powders was synthesised by radio frequency (RF) induction suspension plasma spray. A wet suspension of HA/ZrO(2) was employed as feedstock. The suspension was injected axially into the RF plasma to produce the nano-composite powders, which were subsequently accumulated in cyclone collectors. The particle size and morphology was resolved by using the Zeta potential nano-particle size analyser, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, field emission microscopy techniques. The phase composition, phase concentration, and, molecular structure of the powders were characterised using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infra-red and X-ray diffractometry with quantitative phase analysis empowered by the Rietveld method. Results indicated that nano-size, spherical HA/ZrO(2) composite powders were produced with varying morphological features that depend on the thermal treatment. Calcium zirconate (CaZrO(3)) was produced as a byproduct whose biocompatibility is not well documented. Results also showed that the HA decomposed into alpha and beta-TCP due to decreasing Ca/P ratio with the formation of CaZrO(3).

Bone Substitutes↗

PubMed2003

Effect of spark plasma sintering on the microstructure and in vitro behavior of plasma sprayed HA coatings.

The crystalline phases and degree of crystallinity in plasma sprayed calcium phosphate coatings on Ti substrates are crucial factors that influence the biological interactions of the materials in vivo. In this study, plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings underwent post-spray treatment by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique at 500 degrees C, 600 degrees C, and 700 degrees C for duration of 5 and 30 min. The activity of the HA coatings before and after SPS are evaluated in vitro in a simulated body fluid. The surface microstructure, crystallinity, and phase composition of each coating is characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry before, and after in vitro incubation. Results show that the plasma sprayed coatings treated for 5 min in SPS demonstrated increased proportion of beta-TCP phase with a preferred-orientation in the (214) plane, and the content of beta-TCP phase corresponded to SPS temperature, up to 700 degrees C. SPS treatment at 700 degrees C for 30 min enhanced the HA content in the plasma spray coating as well. The HA coatings treated in SPS for 5 min revealed rapid surface morphological changes during in vitro incubation (up to 12 days), indicating that the surface activity is enhanced by the SPS treatment. The thickest apatite layer was found in the coating treated by SPS at 700 degrees C for 5 min.

Biomimetic Materials↗

PubMed2003

Scaffold development using selective laser sintering of polyetheretherketone-hydroxyapatite biocomposite blends.

In tissue engineering (TE), temporary three-dimensional scaffolds are essential to guide cell proliferation and to maintain native phenotypes in regenerating biologic tissues or organs. To create the scaffolds, rapid prototyping (RP) techniques are emerging as fabrication techniques of choice as they are capable of overcoming many of the limitations encountered with conventional manual-based fabrication processes. In this research, RP fabrication of solvent free porous polymeric and composite scaffolds was investigated. Biomaterials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and hydroxyapatite (HA) were experimentally processed on a commercial selective laser sintering (SLS) RP system. The SLS technique is highly advantageous as it provides good user control over the microstructures of created scaffolds by adjusting the SLS process parameters. Different weight percentage (wt%) compositions of physically mixed PEEK/HA powder blends were sintered to assess their suitability for SLS processing. Microstructural assessments of the scaffolds were conducted using electron microscopy. The results ascertained the potential of SLS-fabricated TE scaffolds.

Benzophenones↗

PubMed2003

Physico-mechanical properties of a fast-set highly viscous GIC restorative.

UNLABELLED: The fast-setting reaction of 'fast-set' highly viscous glass-ionomer cements (GIC) may result in superior mechanical properties and good wear resistance as the material can theoretically achieve sufficient strength to resist masticatory loads within a shorter time. The aim of this study was to determine the hardness, strength (compressive and diametral tensile) and wear resistance of a 'fast-set' highly viscous GIC (Fuji IX GP Fast). Its regular set counterpart (Fuji IX GP) was used for comparison. The glass powders of the two cements were also characterized. Hardness testing [Vickers' hardness number (VHN)] was performed with a digital hardness tester (load=50 g; dwell time=30 s) and compressive/diametral tensile strength testing (MPa) was conducted based upon British Standards specification for GICs (BS6039, 1981). Wear testing was conducted using a reciprocal compression-sliding wear instrumentation at 20 MPa contact stress against SS304 counter-bodies with distilled water as lubricant. All specimens were immersed in distilled water at 37 degrees C and tested 24 h after start of mixing. Further mechanical tests (hardness and strength) were conducted with specimens stored for 1 week in distilled water at 37 degrees C. The glass powders were characterized using laser particle sizing, standard electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispressure X-ray (EDX) analysis. Results were analysed using multiple analysis of variance (manova) and independent samples t-test at significance level 0.05. No significant difference in hardness, compressive and diametral tensile strength was observed between Fuji IX GP and Fuji IX GP Fast at 1 day. There was also no significant difference in wear at all cyclic intervals. Although the difference in strength was not significant between the two cements at 1 week, Fuji IX GP Fast was significantly harder than Fuji IX GP. Particle size of both cements ranged from 0.3 to 200 microm. The mean particle sizes were, however, different and were 13.43 and 7.13 microm for Fuji IX GP and Fuji IX GP Fast, respectively. Fuji IX GP Fast offers no other advantage over Fuji IX GP with the exception of improved hardness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Besides being harder, the fast-set highly viscous GIC restorative offers no other physico-mechanical advantage over its regular set counterpart.

Dental Restoration Wear↗

PubMed2002

Spark plasma sintering of hydroxyapatite powders.

Dense hydroxyapatite (HA) compacts have been successfully fabricated by a spark plasma sintering (SPS). The sintering behavior of HA powders at different temperatures ranging from 850 degrees C to 1100 degrees C was studied. Results showed that spark plasma sintering resulted in rapid densification to near theoretical density. The HA compact was homogeneously sintered at 950 degrees C in a short sintering duration of 5 min, while maintaining high quality and high relative density (>99.5%). The density, microhardness and Young's modulus of HA sintered compact initially increased with the sintering temperature, reached a maximum value at around 950-1000 degrees C, then decreased with further increase in the temperature due to the decomposition of HA into beta-tricalcium phosphates. Fracture toughness results showed no significant difference with increasing temperature due to the combined influences of density and grain size. Microstructure analysis showed no noticeable grain growth under different sintering temperatures due to the short time exposure at high temperatures.

Durapatite↗

PubMed2002

Titanium dioxide reinforced hydroxyapatite coatings deposited by high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings with titania addition were produced by the high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray process. Mechanical properties of the as-sprayed coatings in terms of adhesive strength, shear strength and fracture toughness were investigated to reveal the effect of the titania reinforcement on HA. Qualitative phase analysis with X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that mutual chemical reaction between TiO2 and HA, that formed CaTiO3 occurred during coating formation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the starting powders showed that the mutual chemical reaction temperature was approximately 1410 degrees C and the existence of TiO2 can effectively inhibit the decomposition of HA at elevated temperatures. The positive influence of TiO2 addition on the shear strength was revealed. The incorporation of 10 vol% TiO2 significantly improved the Young's modulus of HA coatings from 24.82 (+/- 2.44) GPa to 43.23 (+/- 3.20) GPa. It decreased to 38.51 (+/- 3.65) GPa as the amount of TiO2 increased to 20 vol%. However, the addition of TiO2 has a negative bias on the adhesive strength of HA coatings especially when the content of TiO2 reached 20 vol%. This is attributed to the weak chemical bonding and brittle phases existing at the splats' interface that resulted from mutual chemical reactions. The fracture toughness exhibited values of 0.48 (+/- 0.08) MPa m0.5, 0.60 (+/- 0.07) MPa m0.5 and 0.67 (+/- 0.06) MPa m0.5 for the HA coating, 10 vol% TiO2 blended HA coating and 20 vol% TiO2 blended HA coating respectively. The addition of TiO2 in HA coating with the amount of less than 20 vol% is suggested for satisfactory toughening effect in HVOF HA coating.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗

PubMed2002

High temperature in-situ XRD of plasma sprayed HA coatings.

The control of phase transformations in plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings are critical to the clinical performance of the material. This paper reports the use of high temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD) to study, in-situ, the phase transformations occurring in plasma sprayed HA coatings. The coatings were prepared using different spray power levels (net plasma power of 12 and 15 kW) and different starting powder size ranges (20-45; 45-75 microm). The temperature range employed was room temperature (approximately 26 degrees C) to 900 degrees C in normal atmosphere and pressure. High temperature differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was also employed to investigate and determine the precise onset temperature of phase transformations during the recrystallization process. Results showed that actual onset of thermal degradation in the coating into other metastable phases like TTCP, beta-TCP and CaO occurred at 638 degrees C. The aforementioned phase transitions were independent of the selected spraying parameters. The degree of melting and thermal dissociation of HA actually determines the amount of calcium phosphate phases that are formed. A high power level of 15 kW produced a greater degree of melting, resulting in more CaO, TTCP and beta-TCP being formed as a result.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗

PubMed2002

An in vitro investigation of plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings produced with flame-spheroidized feedstock.

The in vitro behaviour and characteristics of plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings using flame-spheroidized HA feedstock powder on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) substrates were investigated in a simulated physiological environment as an attempt to reflect the actual incubational condition of an implant in a human body system. As-sprayed and heat-treated HA coatings were immersed in a simulated body fluid with ionic concentrations comparable to that of human blood plasma for time intervals 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks. Rapid dissolution of calcium phosphate was found to occur within the first 4 weeks, and after the 5th week a retarding rate of 4.1 mM week(-1) was observed where precipitation, nucleation, and, growth of a carbonate-containing, poorly crystallized or amorphous calcium phosphate layer on the as-sprayed coatings were noted. The heat-treated coatings showed minimal or no precipitation on the surface except for the presence of calcite minerals that is due to carbonation effect. Complete dissolution of other calcium phosphate phases such as tetracalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate and calcium oxide was also noted after 2 weeks of immersion due to higher ionic solubility relative to HA. A declining trend in respective microhardness and elastic modulus of the as-sprayed HA coatings from 207.06 +/- 3.2 H(k300) to 131.8 +/- 5.2 H(k300) and from 31.37 +/- 1.4 to 19.81 +/- 1.6 GPa was observed after 10 weeks of immersion. Tensile bond strength of both types of coatings showed similar declining trend, with an average dip from 24.5 +/- 2.4 to 7.9 +/- 2.6 MPa. Nevertheless. the heat-treated samples showed rather reasonable mechanical stability and structural integrity of 26.7 +/-1.4 GPa in elastic modulus after soaking.

Alloys↗

PubMed2002

Experimental studies on a new bioactive material: HAIonomer cements.

The lack of exotherm during setting, absence of monomer and improved release of incorporated therapeutic agents has resulted in the development of glass ionomer cements (GICs) for biomedical applications. In order to improve biocompatibility and biomechanically match GICs to bone, hydroxyapatite-ionomer (HAIonomer) hybrid cements were developed. Ultra-fine hydroxyapatite (HA) powders were produced using a new induction spraying technique that utilizes a radio-frequency source to spheriodize an atomized suspension containing HA crystallites. The spheriodized particulates were then held at 800 degrees C for 4 h in a carbolite furnace using a heating and cooling rate of 25 degrees C/min to obtain almost fully crystalline HA powders. The heat-treated particles were characterized and introduced into a commercial glass ionomer cement. 4 (H4), 12 (H12) and 28 (H28) vol% of fluoroalumino silicate were substituted by crystalline HA particles that were dispersed using a high-speed dispersion technique. The HAIonomer cements were subjected to hardness, compressive and diametral tensile strength testing based upon BS6039:1981. The storage time were extended to one week to investigate the effects of cement maturation on mechanical properties. Commercially available capsulated GIC (GC) and GIC at maximum powder:liquid ratio (GM) served as comparisons. Results were analyzed using factorial ANOVA/Scheffe's post-hoc tests and independent samples t-test at significance level 0.05. The effect of time on hardness was material dependent. With the exception of H12, a significant increase in hardness was observed for all materials at one week. A significant increase in compressive strength was, however, observed for H12 over time. At 1 day and 1 week, the hardness of H28 was significantly lower than for GM, H4, and H12. No significant difference in compression and diametral tensile strengths were observed between materials at both time intervals. Results show that HAIonomers is a promising material, which possess good mechanical properties. Potential uses of this new material include bone cements and performed implants for hard tissue replacement in the field of otological, oral-maxillofacial and orthopedic surgery.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2002

Properties of heat-treated calcium phosphate coatings deposited by high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray.

The influence of crystallization, upon heat treatment, on the properties of high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings was investigated. The characterization of the HA coating was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) was employed to determine the crystallization temperature of the amorphous phase in an as-sprayed HA coating. The study demonstrated the effect of crystallization on the coating properties by considering the changes in materials chemistry, crystallinity level, and mechanical performance. Results showed that complete crystallization of the amorphous phase occurred at approximately 700 degrees C and the crystallization temperature was dependent on sample heating rate in the DSC test. The changes of ion groups were detected by FTIR, before and after the phase transformation. The crystallization of the coating after annealing at 750 degrees C resulted in a significant increase of the coatings' adhesive strength and shear strength, which attained maximum values 34 +/- 3 and 14.1 -/+ 0.8 MPa, respectively. Young's modulus increased from 21 +/- 1 to 25 +/- 2 GPa. Microhardness measurements confirmed the changes in coating properties. It is also found that the transformation from the amorphous phase has crystalline HA as the only resultant phase detected by XRD.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2000

Plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings with flame-spheroidized feedstock: microstructure and mechanical properties.

Flame-spheroidized feedstock, with excellent known heat transfer and consistent melting capabilities, were used to produce hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings via plasma spraying. The characteristics and inherent mechanical properties of the coatings have been investigated and were found to have direct and impacting relationship with the feedstock characteristics, processing parameters as well as microstructural deformities. Processing parameters such as particle sizes (SHA: 20-45, 45-75 and 75-125 microm) and spray distances (10, 12 and 14 cm) have been systematically varied in the present study. It was found that the increase of particle sizes and spray distances weakened the mechanical properties (microhardness, modulus, fracture toughness and bond strength) and structural stability of the coatings. The presence of inter- and intralamellar thermal microcracks, voids and porosities with limited true contact between lamellae were also found to degrade the mechanical characteristics of the coatings, especially in coatings produced from large-sized HA particles. An effort was made to correlate the effects of microstructural defects with the resultant mechanical properties and structural integrity of the plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings. The effects of different heat treatment temperatures (600, 800 and 900 degrees C) on the mechanical properties of the coatings were also studied. It was found that a heat treatment temperature of 800 degrees C does enhance the microhardness and elastic modulus of the coatings significantly (P < 0.05) whereas a further increment in heat treatment temperature to 900 degrees C did not show any discernable improvements (P > 0.1). The elastic response behaviour and fracture toughness of both the as-sprayed and heat-treated HA coatings using Knoop and Vickers indentations at different loadings have been investigated. Results have shown that the mechanical properties of the coatings have improved significantly despite increasing crack density after heat treatment in air. Coatings produced from the spheroidized feedstock of 20-45 microm (SHA 20-45 microm) sprayed at a stand-off distance of 10 cm were found to possess the most favourable mechanical properties.

Coated Materials, Biocompatible↗

PubMed1996

Pulsed laser treatment of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings.

Plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings have complex microstructures. There are often variations in phase, structure and chemical composition among the starting material and coating. Some of these changes may not be acceptable for biomedical applications. Attaining all the requirements for a functional coating in a single spraying process is not easily achieved. Additional post-treatment may be necessary. This study examines the use of a pulsed laser to enhance the coating characteristics of plasma-sprayed HA coatings. Preliminary results show the laser-treated coatings having a modified microstructure with crack networks and pores in the size range 5-30 microns. The pores and cracks were quantified by an image analyser. The crack network is less significant in coatings that are treated at lower energy intensity and this could be interesting in that the laser can be used to alter the surface phase composition as well as the morphology. However, repetitive passes with the pulsed laser did not help to seal the cracks that formed.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed1996

Addressing processing problems associated with plasma spraying of hydroxyapatite coatings.

Biomedical coatings generally have to satisfy specific requirements such as a high degree of crystallinity (for positive biological responses), good coating adhesion and optimal porosity. These are necessary to enhance biocompatibility, accelerate post-operative healing and improved fixation. Thermal spray processes have been frequently used to deposit functionally active biomedical coatings, such as hydroxyapatite (HA), onto prosthetic implants. The benefits of HA materials in coated implants have been widely acknowledged, but the occurrence of several poor performances has generated concerns over the consistency and reliability of thermally sprayed HA coatings. Recent investigations using HA coatings have shown that process related variability has significant influence on coating characteristics such as phase composition, structure and chemical composition and performance such as bioresorption, degradation and bone apposition. Variation in process parameters such as powder morphology can induce microstructural and mechanical inconsistencies that have an effect on the service performance of the coating. In order to reach some acceptable level of reliability, it may be necessary to control existing variability in commercially available HA feedstock. In addition, certain opposing factors severely constrain the means to achieve the necessary coating conditions via thermal spraying alone; therefore, creating the need to introduce other innovative or secondary treatment stages to attain the desired results. This paper highlights some of the problems associated with plasma spray coating of HA and suggests that tailoring the powder feedstock morphology and properties through suitable conditioning processes can aid the deposition efficiency and produce an acceptable coating structure.

Aerosols↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Significance of melt-fraction in HVOF sprayed hydroxyapatite particles, splats and coatings.

Microstructure characterization and property evaluation of high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) splats and coatings were conducted in the present study as a function of the proportion of melting that occurred in HA particles during HVOF spray. In vitro behavior of single and folded HA splats in simulated body fluid was also investigated. Results showed that phase composition of as-sprayed HA coatings was influenced significantly by the melt fraction in HVOF sprayed particles. Melt fraction of the HA powders were experimentally determined from particle morphology analysis. It was found that the spray parameters and starting powder size influenced the melt fraction of the particles. In vitro investigation of individual HA splats made from different HA particles revealed decisive role of local phase composition in influencing their dissolution/precipitation behavior during the test. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy qualitative inspection on the sprayed HA particles (partial melted) revealed that thermal decomposition occurred within the melted part rather than the unmelted zone. Young's modulus and micro-hardness of the as-sprayed particles and coatings were determined using nano-indentation technique. The resolidified zone of the sprayed HA particles exhibited an average Young's modulus value of 41.25 GPa. The measured values ranged from 23.1 to 65.3 GPa. The unmelted part of the HA powders showed a markedly narrower range. Young's modulus value of 83.9 GPa (+/-9.4 GPa) was recorded for this region. This succinctly highlight the difference between the unmelted region and melted regions of a HA particle. Young's moduli values measured on HVOF coatings were found to mirror the trend found in the spheroidised particles and splats with apt fidelity.

Adsorption↗