Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
This study introduces a new method for evaluating the adhesion strength of a coating on a substrate. The interfacial fracture toughness, Γi is used to assess the work per unit area required to separate an interface. Γi is measured for the as-received specimens of hydroxyapatite plasma sprayed on Ti-6A1-4V substrate. Calculation of the interfacial fracture toughness requires that the elastic modulus of the coating to be known. The Young's modulus of the plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite is assessed using a bend test. The effect of aqueous environment on the interfacial fracture toughness is also investigated.