Effect of a blast coating process on the macro- and microstructure of Grade 5 titanium foam

This work investigates the deposition of a hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) coating onto titanium foam using a blast process and the effect of the process on the macro- and microstructure of the titanium foam. Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to examine the coating deposition and the macro- and microstructure of the titanium foam. After blasting the macrostructure did not exhibit signs of excessive abrasion or collapsing of the structure that may affect functionality of the foam. Similarly, microstructure was unaffected by the coating process as there is gross plastic deformation and no thermally induced change such as α-case. •Deposited hydroxyapatite coating onto titanium foam using a blast coating process.•Not adverse effect to the macrostructure of the titanium foam.•No obvious signs of excessive abrasion or collapsing of the structure.•Microstructure unaffected by the coating process.