Structural and mechanical properties of Ta-based coatings deposited on polymers for biomedical applications

Abstract

Abstract The polypropylene meshes currently used for hernioplasty induce severe chronic inflammatory reactions over a long-term period of use. These processes lead to scarring and have a negative effect on the connective tissue and the abdominal walls. It is well-known that the biocompatibility of polymer surfaces might be improved by surface modification. We report on the structure and composition of nanostructured Ta, Ta2O5 and TaON coatings deposited on polypropylene in correlation with their mechanical properties. The elemental distribution and chemical composition of the coatings were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The coatings cross-sectional structure and morphology were observed by electron scanning microscopy. Mechanical tests were performed of the polypropylene and of the samples with Ta-based coatings to evaluate the Vickers hardness and the elastic modulus. The coated samples exhibited higher nano-hardness and elasticity values, significantly exceeding the values of untreated polypropylene samples. The Ta-based coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering improve the mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility of the polypropylene materials in view of, e.g., hernia repair.