Novel multilayer nano-composite protective coatings for metallic medical tools

Requirements for tribological protective coatings for medical tools, which would increase their wear and corrosion resistance, are very high. The presented paper deals with novel nano-composite, multilayer protective coatings for tissue interaction elaboration and their diagnosis on metallic substrates. A hybrid pulsed laser deposition system was used for coating deposition. In the presented work, nano-composite Cr/CrN + [Cr/a-C : H implanted by metallic nanocrystals] multilayer coatings were developed for surface protection. The mechanical properties of the coatings were investigated by means of micro-hardness and elasticity modulus measurements. Bio-medical tests were conducted using eukaryotic cells. Microstructural analysis by means of transmission electron microscopy indicated that chromium which was implanted into a-C : H layers reacted with carbon forming chromium carbides.