The surface of NiTi shape memory alloys applied as long-term implants has been modified by protective calcium phosphates (CaPs) coatings, with the objective of improving the biocompatibility of this material. The calcium phosphates such as hydroxyapatite Ca₅(PO₃)OH (HAP) and β-tricalcium phosphate β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂ (β-TCP) were deposited by electrophoretic deposition. In order to improve the adhesion, the deposited samples were vacuum-sintered at wide range of temperature from 500°C to 1000°C for 2 h. The studies revealed that applied sintering conditions did not change the structure of CaPs. The coatings consisted of HAP with hexagonal structure (P63/m) and β-TCP with rhombohedral structure (R-3c). Changes in lattice parameters for CaPs coatings after deposition and sintering were refined by the Rietveld method.
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