E. Długoń

The FTIR studies of gels and thin films of Al2O3-TiO2 and Al2O3-TiO2-SiO2 systems.

In this work, samples in form of bulk ones and thin films were obtained using the sol-gel method. The bulk samples were heated at different temperatures (500 °C, 850 °C and 1100 °C) corresponding to the annealing process of coatings, deposited on different substrates by dipping and pulling out samples from the proper sol with the stable speed. Thin films of both Al2O3-TiO2 and Al2O3-TiO2-SiO2 systems were deposited on carbon, steel and titanium substrates in two different ways: as single layers obtained from Al2O3 sol, TiO2 sol and Al2O3 sol or deposited as mixed coatings from Al2O3-TiO2 sol as well as Al2O3-TiO2-SiO2 one. All bulk samples were studied by the FTIR spectroscopy and the X-ray diffractometry while thin films were also investigated by the electron microscopy. In the IR spectra of Al2O3-TiO2 samples, as well as gels and coatings, bands due to the vibrations of AlO bonds of the octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum were observed. The IR spectra of samples of Al2O3-TiO2-SiO2 system differ from that of Al2O3-TiO2 ones in presence of bands assigned to the SiO bond vibrations and in positions of bands due to AlO bond vibrations. In all spectra of bulk samples and coatings, the positions of TiO bond vibrations were ascribed basing on the IR spectra of the pure anatase and rutile.

Carbon nanotube-based coatings on titanium

This paper reports results of the modification of titanium surface with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The Ti samples were covered with CNTs via electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process. Prior to EPD process, CNTs were functionalized by chemical treatment. Mechanical, electrochemical and biological properties of CNT-covered Ti samples were studied and compared to those obtained for unmodified titanium surface. Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the surface topography. To determine micromechanical characteristics of CNT-covered metallic samples indentation tests were conducted. Throughout electrochemical studies were performed in order to characterize the impact of the coating on the corrosion of titanium substrate. In vitro experiments were conducted using the human osteoblast NHOst cell line. CNT layers shielded titanium from corrosion gave the surface-enhanced biointegrative properties. Cells proliferated better on the modified surface in comparison to unmodified titanium. The deposited layer enhanced cell adhesion and spreading as compared to titanium sample.

Spectroscopic studies of electrophoretically deposited hybrid HAp/CNT coatings on titanium.

Carbon nanotubes deposited on the surface of the metal can be used in a wide variety of applications for modern medicine including: sensors and sensor array devices, electrodes for neural system stimulation, scaffolds for improved healing process for bone defects. Additionally it is debated if deposited on the surface of e.g. endoprosthesis, CNT coating can significantly increase the strength of the tissue/bone joint and stimulate a fast integration of the implant and the tissue. The aim of this paper is the analysis of the electrophoretically deposited nanocomposite coating made of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes on the surface of titanium. The paper concentrates on the analysis of the layers structure and its bioactivity properties. The nanocomposite films were investigated using Raman Spectroscopy as well as AFM and SEM microscopy. The measurements were conducted at every stage of layer preparation and after bioactivity test. Bioactivity was evaluated by in vitro test in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF, 37°C, for 30days). It was shown that hybrid HAp/CNT layers are very attractive materials for modification of the surface of metallic orthopedic implants.

Investigation on Bioactivity of Zirconium-Calcium Coatings on Titanium Surface Obtained by Sol-Gel and Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) Methods

The aim of the study was to obtain zirconium and calcium doped zirconium coatings using sol-gel methodology and their further modification with electrophoretically deposited hydroxyapatite. Both systems phase composition was investigated using Raman spectroscopy. Their morphology and composition was studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) with X-ray microanalysis (EDS), while their topography was observed using atomic force microscope (AFM). The osseointegrative properties of both coatings were investigated using in vitro Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) test. The resulting systems were studied using the same methods that were applied to the two coatings.