Jeff Rao

Polymer (PTFE) and shape memory alloy (NiTi) intercalated nano-biocomposites

Engineering on a nano-scale has been undertaken to mimic a biomaterial by forming an intercalated nano-composite structure by PVD sputtering of a polymer with a nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA). A PTFE polymer has been selected due to its elastic properties, low interactions with water, optimum surface energies, stability and chemical resistance. NiTi SMAs allow the coatings to be energy absorbent and thus suitable in load bearing situations. The coatings are aimed to constantly withstand variable adverse biological environments whilst maintaining their characteristics. The nano-intercalated structures have been characterised for their wettability, friction coefficients, chemical composition, and morphology. Intercalation of a polymer with energy-absorbing alloys uncovers a set of material systems that will offer characteristics such as self-healing of hierarchal tissue in the body. The reformation of PTFE following sputter deposition was confirmed by FTIR spectra. According to SEM analysis PTFE shows a promising surface interaction with NiTi, forming stable coatings. Surface interactions are evident by the hydrophobic behaviour of films as the composites water contact angle is around 86° which lies in-between that of PTFE and NiTi. The nano composite films are lubricious and have a measured CoF below 0.2 which does not vary with layer thickness.