Electrophoretic deposition of functionalized polystyrene particles for TiO₂ multi-scale structured surfaces

Radice, S.; Dietsch, Hervé; Mischler, S.; Michler, J.

doi:10.1016/j.surfcoat.2009.11.001

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Journal article

Electrophoretic deposition of functionalized polystyrene particles for TiO₂ multi-scale structured surfaces

Radice, S. EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research, Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures, Thun, Switzerland
Dietsch, Hervé Adolphe Merkle Institute and Fribourg Center for Nanomaterials, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Mischler, S. Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lab. for Metallurgical, Lausanne, Switzerland
Michler, J. EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research, Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures, Thun, Switzerland

10.11.2009

Published in:

Surface and Coatings Technology. - 2010, vol. 204, no. 11, p. 1749-1754

English Titanium is an interesting material for biomedical implants thanks to its physical and chemical properties. In particular, TiO₂ coatings with a surface characterized by micro-patterning combined with nano-topography are extremely attractive for orthopaedic implants in terms of enhanced osteointegration and consequently improved implant fixation. In the present work, a new method for the preparation of TiO₂ multi-scale structured coatings is presented. This method is based on three steps. Firstly, monodispersed polystyrene (PS) microsized beads are functionalized with TiO₂ submicron particles by a wet process involving a cationic polyelectrolyte. Secondly, the resulting TiO₂-PS composite particles in suspension are used to prepare coatings by electrophoretic deposition (EPD), a simple and flexible electrochemical technique. The EPD is performed cathodically, avoiding uncontrolled oxidation of the substrate. Finally, after removal of the PS spacers during the sintering process, TiO₂ coatings with a combined micro- and nano-topography are achieved from deposits thicker than 100 µm. This achievement presents two relevant aspects: potential applications of the multi-scale structured TiO₂ surfaces (particularly in the biomedical field); the simplicity and flexibility of the process used.

Faculty

Faculté des sciences et de médecine

Department

AMI - Soft Nanoscience

Language