3D characterization of open porous vacuum plasma sprayed titanium coatings by means of high resolution micro computer tomography

Open porous Ti coatings were applied by vacuum plasma spraying. The overall porosity was determined by light microscopy on cross-section cuts as well as micro computer tomography (μ-CT). μ-CT was additionally used on detached coatings to characterize pore size and interconnectivity as well as the sinter necks between individual Ti particles, as these are important factors for biomedical applications (tissue ingrowth) and coating integrity. The μ-CT measurements with a resolution of 5 μm voxels and the subsequent data treatment showed an excellent pore connectivity and yielded an average pore size of ~ 80–140 µm, pore connection diameter of ~ 50 µm and Ti sinter neck diameter of ~ 30–40 µm.