Nanotexturing of PC/n-HA nanocomposites by innovative and advanced spray system

Abstract

Nanoscale texturing of a nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) filler on a polycarbonate (PC) matrix is ameliorated by advanced engineered spray techniques viz. spray gun and centrifuged spray drying, concerned with modifying topographical properties for biomedical grade screw/plate coating application. Mathematical evaluation of the factors affecting the texture of the thin film PC/n-HA nanocomposite has been modelled for the centrifuged spray dryer concerning homogeneity and symmetric dispersion of n-HA pitching on the PC medium. FTIR illustrates the functional group vibration peaks of 1093 cm⁻¹ and 603 cm⁻¹ of PC/n-HA nanocomposites due to the presence of PO₄³⁻. XRD infers the average crystal size of n-HA ≤20 nm in the PC/n-HA nanocomposite, which possesses consistency in the FESEM micrograph, confirming the various dispersion comparisons between spray gun film and centrifuged spray dried film. Topographical analysis of PC/n-HA film acquired by the two modes of spraying exemplifies surface roughness of 81.4 nm by the spray gun and 132 nm by the centrifuged spray dryer technique, with increasing spikes affirming the uniform scaffold structure of the n-HA embedment over the PC medium, thus, providing the hydrophobic trait needed for corrosion resistant application. Contact angle analysis shows the wettability and adhesive property of the PC/n-HA nanocomposite and delivers a 131.7° contact angle for innovative centrifuged spray dryer technique. Hence, the modelled parameters emphasize the applicability of the innovative designed centrifuged spray dryer technique for biomedical coating applications.