Double-Layer Sol-Gel Modifications on Titanium Alloy Substrates-Physicochemical Properties Evaluation

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of hybrid coatings with titanium nitride and boron nitride nanoparticles deposited on the TiAlV medical alloy via the sol-gel process. The developed layers were intended to impart bactericidal properties and provide protection against surgical abrasions during the implantation procedure. This study focused on evaluating the microstructure (SEM + EDS), structure (XRD, FTIR), and surface properties, including wettability, surface free energy, and roughness of the synthesized layers. Our results confirmed that it was feasible to produce hybrid layers with various microstructures and diverse layer morphologies. The FTIR and XRD structural analyses confirmed the presence of an organosilicon matrix incorporating the two aforementioned types of ceramic particles.

Keywords: TiAlV alloy; TiN; hBN; hybrid composite layers; sol–gel method.

Figure 1

Chemical compositions of obtained hybrid sols GTSi, GTBN, and GTTN.

Figure 2

The general procedure of sample preparation with sol–gel layers.

Figure 3

SEM microphotographs of SiO₂ coatings deposited on TiAlV samples and obtained in sol–gel reaction containing hBNNPs (a) and TiNNPs (b).

Figure 4

SEM images and EDS spectra of titanium alloy (TiAlV)-covered sol–gel hybrid layer containing hBNNPs (a) and TiNNPs (b).

Figure 5

FTIR spectra of titanium alloy (TiAlV)-covered sol–gel hybrid layer containing 1.25 mol% hBNNPs (a) and TiNNPs (b).

Figure 6

X-ray diffraction patterns measured for composite components before layer deposition.

Figure 7

GIXD patterns measured for BN1 (a) and BN2 (b) coatings deposited on non-etched TiAlV matrix.

Figure 8

GIXD patterns measured for TiN1 (a) and TiN2 (b) coatings deposited on non-etched TiAlV matrix.

Figure 9

Roughness parameters of titanium alloy (TiAlV)-covered sol–gel hybrid layer containing ceramic particles.

Figure 10

Static water contact angle (a), corresponding images (b) and surface free energy (c) of titanium alloy (TiAlV)-covered sol–gel hybrid layer containing ceramic particles.

Figure 11

Microhardness (a) and adhesion (b) measured for samples coated with sol–gel containing ceramic particles.

Figure 12

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) results for TN2HF, BN2HF, and TiAlVHF coatings in 0.9% NaCl solution at 37 °C: (a) Nyquist plots; (b) Bode plots showing the impedance modulus |Z| vs. frequency; (c) Bode plots showing the phase angle vs. frequency.