Synthesis and characterization of TiN, TiAIN and TiN/TiAIN biocompatible coatings

TiN, TiAlN and TiN/TiAlN hard coatings were investigated as possible candidates to be applied as protective layers on medical implants or prosthesis. The chemical and phase composition, texture, hardness, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility properties of the resulting coatings were analyzed. The highest microhardness (∼31 GPa) was measured for the multilayers with bilayer period Λ of about 10 nm. The coatings proved to enhance the corrosion protection in artificial physiological solution of the uncoated specimens. Cell density, cell morphology and cell viability measurements revealed a good biocompatibility of all coatings.