PROCESSING OF THERMALLY SPRAYED TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE (TCP) COATINGS ON BIORESORBABLE POLYMER IMPLANTS

摘要

Bioresorbable polymer implants are a promising research and development field in maxillofacial surgery, since their use eliminates the need for a secondary operation to remove metal implants. Mechanical properties and biocompatibility of these implants are nevertheless not completely satisfactory, and new composite devices are demanded. Thermally sprayed tricalcium phosphate (TCP) coatings may significantly increase the biocompatibility of polymer implants and contribute to match the resorption rate of the device with the bone healing rate, leading to a correct mechanical stress transfer implant/tissue and therefore to successful fracture fixation even in load conditions. The manufacturing process of suitable β-TCP powders for the Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS) via spray-drying granulation and the thermal spray Coating process on bioresorbable poly (D,L) lactide devices are reported and discussed.