Medical equipment antiseptic processes using the atmospheric plasma sprayed copper coatings

Antibacterial surfaces such as copper coatings are able to reduce the growth of bacteria. In this study, copper coatings was deposited on the 316 stainless steel substrates by a handmade device operating as an atmospheric plasma spraying system. The chemical composition microstructure and morphology surface of the coatings are examined by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) and back scattering electron microscope (BSE). Micro hardness as one of the key properties of the coating is characterized based on cross-section. We also evaluate the thickness and the adhesion strength of the coating. Dissection material of coating is performed by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Further, the antibacterial activity of our coatings is assessed by both gram negative Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 and gram positive Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1112 bacteria. As the last step, the antibacterial performance of the coated stainless steel surface with copper are compared to uncoated one. Results confirm that the copper coatings improve the antibacterial property of substrates and owning fine antibacterial behavior compared to stainless steel.