Title: Physico-chemical and biological properties of titanium nitride doped with copper and silver by combined methods of cathodic arc evaporation and magnetron sputtering

Authors: Božana Petrović; Bojana Ilić; Vladimir Biočanin; Michal Potran; Ana Nikitović; Ilija Nasov; Vukoman Jokanović

Addresses: Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade University, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia ' Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade University, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia ' Faculty of Stomatology in Pančevo, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Žarka Zrenjanina 179, 26000 Pančevo, Serbia ' Faculty of Stomatology in Pančevo, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Žarka Zrenjanina 179, 26000 Pančevo, Serbia ' Faculty of Stomatology in Pančevo, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Žarka Zrenjanina 179, 26000 Pančevo, Serbia ' Plasma Doo, 29 November 66/9, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia ' Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade University, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia; Albos Doo, Orahovačka 19, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract: Copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) doped titanium nitride (TiN) films were obtained by combination of the cathodic arc evaporation and DC magnetron sputtering, as confirmed by phase analysis performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The films thicknesses were about 150 nm, as estimated by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed specific film morphology with spherical particles of 20-170 nm in size. The water contact angles measurements showed good hydrophobic properties of TiN-Cu film, suitable for potential application in artificial heart valves or venous and urinary tract catheters; and very good hydrophilic properties of TiN-Ag, essential for good osteointegration, make it suitable for coating of orthopaedic implants. Cytotoxicity of the coatings, assessed using neutral red assay, showed good cytocompatibility which indicates that the films are well-designed, with Ag⁺ and Cu²⁺ release rate non-influencing its cytocompatibility.

Keywords: titanium nitride; copper; silver; thin films; coatings; magnetron sputtering; cathodic arc evaporation; CAE; water contact angle; antimicrobial application; cytocompatibility.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2024.141509

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2024 Vol.18 No.3, pp.245 - 259

Received: 30 Nov 2023
Accepted: 24 Jan 2024
Published online: 18 Sep 2024 *

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