Antibacterial Property of Cold-Sprayed HA-Ag/PEEK Coating

• Published in: Journal of thermal spray technology 2009-03, Vol.18 (1), p.10-15
• Main Authors: Sanpo, Noppakun, Tan, Meng Lu, Cheang, Philip, Khor, K.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air temperature; Analytical Chemistry; Applied sciences; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Coatings; Corrosion and Coatings; E coli; Escherichia coli; Exact sciences and technology; Machines; Manufacturing; Materials Science; Metals. Metallurgy; Processes; Production techniques; Silver; Surface treatment; Surfaces and Interfaces; Technical Note; Thin Films; Tribology
• ISSN: 1059-9630; 1544-1016
• DOI: 10.1007/s11666-008-9283-0

The antibacterial behavior of HA-Ag (silver-doped hydroxyapatite) nanopowder and their composite coatings were investigated against Escherichia coli (DH5α). HA-Ag nanopowder and PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone)-based HA-Ag composite powders were synthesized using in-house powder processing techniques. Bacteria culture assay of HA-Ag nanopowder and their composite powders displayed excellent bacteriostatic activity against E. coli . The antibacterial activity increased with increasing concentration of HA-Ag nanoparticle in these composite powders. These nanocomposite powders were subsequently used as feedstock to generate antibacterial coatings via cold spray technology. The ratios of HA-Ag to PEEK in their composite powders were 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, and 20:80 (wt.%). Microstructural characterization and phase analysis of feedstock powders and as-deposited coatings were carried out using FESEM/EDX and XRD. Antibacterial nanocomposite HA-Ag/PEEK coatings were successfully deposited using cold spraying parameters of 11-12 bars at preheated air temperature between 150 and 160 °C. These as-sprayed coatings of HA-Ag/PEEK composite powders comprising varying HA-Ag and PEEK ratios retained their inherent antibacterial property as verified from bacterial assay. The results indicated that the antibacterial activity increased with increasing HA-Ag nanopowder concentration in the composite powder feedstock and cold-sprayed coating.