Typically, pure niobium
oxide coatings are deposited on metallic
substrates, such as commercially pure Ti, Ti6Al4 V alloys, stainless
steels, niobium, TiNb alloy, and Mg alloys using techniques such as
sputter deposition, sol–gel deposition, anodizing, and wet
plasma electrolytic oxidation. The relative advantages and limitations
of these coating techniques are considered, with particular emphasis
on biomedical applications. The properties of a wide range of pure
and modified niobium oxide coatings are illustrated, including their
thickness, morphology, microstructure, elemental composition, phase
composition, surface roughness and hardness. The corrosion resistance,
tribological characteristics and cell viability/proliferation of the
coatings are illustrated using data from electrochemical, wear resistance
and biological cell culture measurements. Critical R&D needs for
the development of improved future niobium oxide coatings, in the
laboratory and in practice, are highlighted.