Study of TiCuN/ZrN multilayer coatings with adjustable combination properties deposited on TiCu alloy

Abstract

Orthopedic metal implant materials such as titanium alloy may face the problem of friction wear during long-term implantation. TiCu alloy has been proved to have excellent mechanical properties, biofunctionability and biocompatibility. In order to further improve its wear resistance, a multilayer coating composed of high hardness TiCuN and ZrN were deposited on the surface of TiCu by axial magnetic field enhanced pulsed bias arc ion plating (AMFE-AIP) system. Then, the corresponding relationship among the modulation period (Λ), the microstructure of the TiCuN/ZrN multi-layers and the influence properties were analyzed. The results showed that in the multi-layers, there existed a “Cu nail/bridge” structure which was biased perpendicular to the direction of the film. With the decrease of the Λ, the maximum stress on the coating surface during the sliding process was decreased, the adhesion, wear resistance of the film and the release of Cu ions from the film were gradually increased, which resulted in the improvement of anti-bacteria and cell proliferation promotion properties. This study indicated that the TiCuN/ZrN multilayer coating is promised to be a new kind of biofunctionalized coating with properties that can be regulated on demand for adapting various implant environment of titanium alloy implants.