Polycaprolactone- Chitosan- Ag coatings on Ti6Al4V: Critical synergic aspects analyzed by Raman, EFM and contact angle

Abstract

The Ti6Al4V presented a natural oxide layer that increased the corrosion resistance of the material but decreased the physicochemical compatibility with the bone tissue. The use of polymeric coatings on Ti6Al4V allows the creation of an interface that promotes osseointegration and antibacterial activity. The objective of this work was to analyze a coating on Ti6Al4V obtained by dip-coating with a mixture of chitosan, polycaprolactone, and silver. The synergy between chitosan and silver allows the polymeric matrix to be retained and to enhance the coating's mechanical-structural functions, integrating bone cells and serving as antibacterial agents. Coating morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the distribution of chemical elements was determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Confocal Raman spectroscopy was used to evaluate the composition and structure of the coating. Electrical potential distribution, phase distribution and surface topography of surfaces were analyzed using an electrostatic force microscopy. Contact angle measurements were also performed to determine coating wettability.