Publication details
Temperature-engineered Ti-based thin-film metallic glass coatings with superior electrochemical and biological stability for bioimplants
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Peer-reviewed scientific article |
| Magazine / Source | SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0257897226005451 |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2026.133693 |
| Keywords | TFMG; Titanium; Blood compatibility; Magnetron sputtering; Corrosion; Biocompatibility |
| Description | The durability of titanium-based biomedical implants is influenced by the aggressive physiological environment, which can lead to eventual wear, corrosion, and ultimately, implant failure. To overcome these challenges, we report a biocompatible Ti49Cu31Ta10Nb10 thin-film metallic glass (TFMG) system, as determined by XPS, fabricated by magnetron sputtering onto medical-grade titanium (Ti) substrates. The TiCuTaNb TFMG systems are being widely studied as next-generation thin-film coatings to prolong the life of implants. The key characteristics of the TFMGs are seriously dependent on factors such as the surface properties and deposition temperature. In this work, the TiCuTaNb TFMGs were fabricated by magnetron sputtering at ambient temperature, 250 °C, and 500 °C to elucidate the influence of deposition temperature and to investigate their structure, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance for bioimplant applications. Structural analyses revealed that amorphous coatings remain stable up to 250 °C, while higher temperatures induce Ti2Cu nanocrystallisation. Increasing the deposition temperature led to higher hardness and elastic modulus, indicating the formation of a nanocrystalline phase. Amorphous TFMGs (deposited at ?250 °C) act as an impenetrable barrier, providing exceptional electrochemical resistance in simulated body fluids (SBF) compared to bare titanium. In vitro bioactivity assessments demonstrated temperature-dependent calcium phosphate mineralisation, with the nanocrystalline coating exhibiting the highest Ca/P ratio, approaching that of hydroxyapatite. The TFMGs are hemocompatible, with reduced platelet adhesion and delayed blood clot formation. The cytocompatible coatings promote the biological performance of MC3T3-E1 cells, including adhesion and proliferation. This study establishes a relationship between the structural properties and the biological performance of TiCuTaNb TFMGs, a promising coating for orthopedic implants. |
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