Microstructure and Antimicrobial Properties of Zr-Cu-Ti Thin-Film Metallic Glass Deposited Using High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering

Abstract

Zr-Cu based thin-film metallic glass (TFMG) has good glass-forming ability and the addition of a third element can create a chaotic system capable of inhibiting the nucleation and growth of crystals. This study focused on TFMGs made with Zr, Cu, and Ti in various compositions deposited via high-impulse magnetron sputtering on silicon and 304 stainless-steel substrates. Detailed analysis was performed on the microstructure and surface characteristics of the resulting coatings. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the multilayer structure changed to a nanocrystalline structure similar to an amorphous coating. The excellent hydrophobicity of Zr-Cu-Ti TFMGs can be attributed to their ultra-smooth surface without any grain boundaries. The excellent antimicrobial effects can be attributed to a hydrophobic surface resisting cell adhesion and the presence of copper ions, which are lethal to microbes.

Review on Biocompatibility and Prospect Biomedical Applications of Novel Functional Metallic Glasses

“…As most of the Zr-based metallic glasses contain the elements suppressing the bacteria growth, they are generally expected to have a high ability to prevent bacterial biofilm formation. Recently, the ZrCuTi and ZrCuAg metallic glasses thin films proved their antibacterial properties (according to JIS Z 2801 standard for the second alloy) both by the lethal to bacteria ions release [ 110 , 111 ] and smooth non-wettable surface [ 82 , 110 , 111 ], which can also be a way to prevent the biofilm formation [ 102 ]. As metallic glasses are characterized by an utterly homogenous internal structure without grain boundaries, the achievable surface roughness is exceptionally low [ 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , 116 ].…”

Development of Thin Films Formed by Ti-Zr Alloys at Different Frequencies by the HiPIMS Technique

“…In addition, the thin films constituted by Ti-Zr are not toxic, can tolerate cellular growth, and do not impair cellular growth 19 . This alloy can reach high elastic modulus when produced by magnetron sputtering 20 and may even present hydrophobic properties when combined with aluminum 21 . However, few studies have been conducted about thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering for the Ti-Zr system, and as the High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) technique is still relatively recent, there is a lack of data in the literature.…”