K. Malisz-Rudzińska; J. Sypniewska; M. Grodzicka; A. Mirowska; A. Mielewczyk-Gryń; B. Świeczko-Żurek; A. Sionkowska
Materials 19 (2026) 2397
This study investigates the damage behavior and surface integrity of chitosan–nanohydroxyapatite (CS/nHAp) composite coatings, along with their corrosion resistance and wettability, which directly affect their biological performance in vivo. The coatings were deposited on Ti13Zr13Nb and stainless steel using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) at various voltages and deposition times. Surface topography, morphology, composition, and roughness were characterized using microscopic techniques, while wettability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties were assessed. Three-point bending tests were performed to determine coating behavior under mechanical deformation. Hydrophilic, homogeneous CS/nHAp coatings were successfully deposited without visible cracks on the surface. Coatings deposited at 10 V exhibited higher corrosion potentials compared to uncoated titanium alloy. Mechanical testing showed that coatings deposited at 10 V were significantly harder than those deposited at 20 V. The CS/nHAp20_5 coating exhibited moderate hardness (0.33 ± 0.06 GPa), the lowest Young’s modulus (12.7 ± 1.4 GPa), increased flexibility, and good adhesion, without delamination during bending tests. These results demonstrate that by modifying deposition parameters, it is possible to adjust the mechanical and protective properties of CS/nHAp coatings for potential application of the developed coating in vascular stents.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19112397