Tribological and electrochemical behavior of Ag2O/ZnO/NiO nanocomposite coating on commercial pure titanium for biomedical applications

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the structural, tribological and electrochemical properties of Ag2O, ZnO, NiO coatings and Ag2O/ZnO/NiO nanocomposite films deposited on commercially pure titanium. Design/methodology/approach Ceramic thin films (Ag2O, ZnO, NiO coatings and Ag2O/ZnO/NiO nanocomposite film) were deposited on commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) substrate. Surface characterization of the uncoated and coated samples was made by structural surveys (scanning electron microscopic examinations and X-ray diffraction analyses), hardness measurements, tribological and corrosion experiments. Findings Results were indicated that sol-gel coatings improved the wear and corrosion resistance of CP-Ti, and the best results were seen at the nanocomposite coating. It may be attributed to its small grain size, high surface hardness and high film thickness. Originality/value This study can be a practical reference and offers insight into the influence of nanocomposite ceramic films on the increase of hardness, tribological and corrosion performance. Also, the paper displayed a promising approach to produce Ag2O/ZnO/NiO nanocomposite coating on commercially pure titanium implants for biomedical applications.