Tribological behaviour of nanostructured Ti-C:H coatings for biomedical applications

The development of a mechanically stable, functionally graded Ti-doped a-C:H interface layer in combination with a functional a-C:H coating requires a reduction of the brittle phases which induce generally problems in the transitions from Ti to TiC/a-C:H. The core objective of this study was to develop an optimum interlayer between the substrate and the functional top layer for biomedical applications, namely for tooth implants. Since the interlayer may be exposed to the sliding process, in the case of local failure of the top layer it has to fulfil the same criteria: biocompatibility, high wear resistance and low friction.The functional Ti-C:H layers with thickness in the range 2.5–3.5 μm were deposited by a magnetron sputtering/PECVD hybrid process by sputtering a Ti-target in a C2H2 + Ar atmosphere in dc discharge regime. The sets of coating samples were prepared by varying the C and H concentrations controlled by the C2H2 flow during the deposition process. The tribological properties were evaluated on a pin-on-disc tribometer at room temperature (RT) and at 100 °C using 440C balls with a diameter of 6 mm. The tests at 100 °C were performed to investigate the effect of the sterilization temperature on the tribological properties and the coating lifetime as well. The tribological performance was examined with respect to the friction coefficient, the wear rates of the coating and the counter-parts and the analysis of the wear debris. The Ti/C ratio decreased almost linearly from 4.5 to 0.1 with increasing C2H2 flow; the hydrogen content showed a minimum of 5 at.% at C2H2 flow of 30 sccm, while for lower flows it was about 10 at.%. The coatings could be divided into three groups based on the C2H2 flow: (i) 10–15 sccm, exhibiting severe abrasive damage during the sliding tests, (ii) 20–45 sccm, showing the highest hardness and friction values, and (iii) 52–60 sccm, with moderate hardness and minimal values of the friction coefficient and the wear rate.

Development of stable system using functionally graded Ti-C:H layers deposited as adhesion interlayer in combination with functional a-C:H coating requires to reduce brittle phases inducing general problems in transitions from Ti to Ti-C:H. The study helped to select the optimal C2H2 flows to deposit Ti-C:H adhesion interlayer for industrial production of protective coating for tooth implants.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide