Characterization and blood compatibility of TiCxN1 − x hard coating prepared by plasma electrolytic carbonitriding

A novel technique to form Ti(C, N) on titanium, named as plasma electrolytic carbonitriding (PEC/N) on cathode was successful used to prepare TiCxN1 − x coating. The structure, composition and morphology of the coating were characterized by XRD, XPS and SEM, respectively. The results indicated that TiC0.3N0.7 as a new species appears on the surface of the titanium plate, and the thickness of the coating with porous surface morphology increases with the treated time. The blood compatibility of the TiC0.3N0.7 coating was evaluated by haemolysis ratios, dynamic blood clotting test, plasma recalcification time and platelet adhesion. The results indicated that the blood compatibility of the plasma-treated titanium with TiCxN1 − x coating is significantly improved as compared to the original titanium. Additionally, the results derived from measurements of hardness and corrosion indicated that the coating has excellent mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties.