Electrophoretic Deposition and Characterisation of Chitosan Coatings on Near-Β Titanium Alloy

Abstract

Abstract In this study, chitosan coatings were electrophoretically deposited (EPD) on near-β Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy. The influence of colloidal solution composition and EPD parameters on the quality of chitosan coatings was investigated. It was established that the uniformity of as-deposited chitosan coatings is highly dependent on the chemical composition of the solution used for EPD, the pH, electrophoretic mobility and zeta potential of chitosan colloidal molecules, as well as EPD parameters, such as potential difference value and deposition time. The microstructure of the coatings was investigated using electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The coatings 350 nm thick were homogeneous and exhibited an amorphous structure. The coatings had low hardness and Young’s modulus. The effect of surface of the substrate preparation prior to coating deposition on the adhesion of chitosan coatings to the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy was also investigated. The coatings exhibited good adhesion to the non-acid-etched surface of the titanium alloy.