The Ti3.6Nb1.0Ta0.2Zr0.2 coating on anodized aluminum by PVD: A potential candidate for short-time biomedical applications

Abstract In this study, Ti3.6Nb1.0Ta0.2Zr0.2 based coatings were deposited on anodized and non-anodized aluminum surfaces by PVD. For this purpose, a target for the magnetron sputtering PVD system was prepared from a β-type Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr bulk alloy via hot-forgings. Surface morphologies and elemental composition analysis of the TNTZ-based PVD coatings were conducted using scanning electron microscopy attached with an energy dispersive spectroscopy incorporated (SEM-EDS). A micro-scratch and hardness tester was used to evaluate the adhesion and mechanical properties of the deposited coatings. The contact angle and electrochemical corrosion measurements were applied to assign the wettability levels and potential usability of the coated surfaces under in-vitro conditions. Also, the corrosion resistance of the coatings was compared with commercial Ti and Ti6Al4V alloys. The results showed that the coated surfaces were exhibited a hydrophilic behavior and adequate in-vitro resistance in simulated body fluids (SBF). Besides, the TNTZ coatings on anodized surfaces were presented different cracking mechanisms and higher adhesion resistance than that of their non-anodized surfaces. The reason for the behavior has been discussed in the present study.