Relationship between surface properties and antibacterial behavior of wire arc spray copper coatings

► Antibacterial behavior of wire arc sprayed copper coatings was investigated. ► Relationships between the surface tension and antibacterial behavior were elucidated. ► Coating surface was highly hydrophilic compared to stainless steel and copper sheets. ► Ultrafine grains and defects in the coatings play key roles in antibacterial properties. ► As-sprayed copper coatings are good candidate to substitute with stainless steel.