The Impact of Bias and Nitrogen Pressure on TiNbN Coatings in Arc-PVD Processes—A Multifactorial Study

Abstract

Titanium-based nitride physical vapour deposition (PVD) coatings, such as titanium nitride (TiN), are state-of-the-art solutions for surface modifications of CoCrMo-based implants for patients who are hypersensitive to metallic ions such as cobalt, chromium and nickel. Variations of the process parameters during the cathodic arc evaporation are known to exhibit an impact on the surface properties of coatings. The aim of this study was to characterise the effect of the substrate bias and the nitrogen pressure on the surface properties of TiNbN coatings deposited on CoCrMo alloys in a limited parameter set. Eighteen parameter sets were coated with TiNbN. The substrate bias (−100 to −200 V) and the nitrogen pressure (0.3–3.0 Pa) were selected following a randomised, multifactorial response surface test design. The coating thickness, roughness, hardness and scratch resistance were measured following standardised procedures. The structure of the coating was analysed by SEM and XRD. The substrate bias and the pressure exhibited a significant impact on the coating thickness and the surface roughness. The grain growth was predominantly impacted by the bias. The parameter variation did not show any significant impact on the XRD, hardness or scratch test results.

Isolation of TiNbN wear particles from a coated metal‐on‐metal bearing: Morphological characterization and in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity in human osteoblasts

“…To reduce the generation of wear particles and metal ion release, the surfaces of metallic endoprostheses can be coated with titanium‐based nitrides like TiNbN 13,32 . This coating can also improve the implant's biocompatibility 3,19,20 . It has been previously reported that osteoblasts proliferate more and release less IL‐6 when cultured on ceramic‐coated implant surfaces than on the bare metal alloy 33,34 .…”

“…13,32 This coating can also improve the implant's biocompatibility. 3,19,20 It has been previously reported that osteoblasts proliferate more and release less IL-6 when cultured on ceramic-coated implant surfaces than on the bare metal alloy. 33,34 Since wear can also occur on PVD-coated implants under certain circumstances, 13,27 the biological response of osteoblasts to those coating particles is clinically relevant.…”

“…12,16,17 The arc PVD method yields coatings known for good adhesion, 18 which is crucial for the clinical success of coated joint endoprostheses. 12 After coating the surfaces are characterized by chemical inertness, high wettability, increased surface hardness, and improved tribological properties 19,20 this coating is a reliable option for improving the properties of articular surfaces of metallic endoprostheses. 12,[21][22][23] In addition, arc PVD coatings are also beneficial as a barrier to metallic ions.…”

Thin TiN coating on NiTi substrate through PVD method: Improvement of the wear resistance

“…The increasing nitrogen pressure results in higher deposition rates for the TiN film. It has been shown that the coating thickness increases with increased nitrogen pressure [41].…”

Effect of Substrates Characteristics on Tribological Behaviors of AlTiN-Based Coated WC–Co Cemented Carbides

“…Without the comprehensive investigation of the "film/substrate" system, it is often difficult to obtain the optimum performance of the films. While the hardness and the strength of the film are effectively improved, it is necessary to consider the influence of the substrate (or film-substrate compatibility) on the overall durability of the coated alloys, in addition to the effect of the film characteristics (composition, structure, and process change) [10,11] or the wear medium [12].…”