Evaluation of Selected Properties of Ti Coatings Deposited on MED610 for Medical Applications

The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate the properties of MED610 material coated with a thin titanium (Ti) layer deposited by physical vapour deposition (PVD) for medical applications. The coating was designed to improve biocompatibility and selected functional characteristics, such as the material's tribological resistance. Two groups of samples-unpolished and polished-were prepared to enable an assessment of the influence of surface topography on functional performance. A titanium layer was applied to both groups, followed by an analysis of the surface geometric structure, contact angle, and tribological properties in an artificial saliva environment with neutral pH, simulating oral cavity conditions. The results of these investigations allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the influence of surface topography and the presence of a Ti coating on the functional properties of MED610, a material approved for contact with soft tissues. The findings confirmed that the application of a titanium coating favourably affected the structure and durability of the material-the coating reduced surface roughness by 20-45% and exhibited good adhesion to the substrate. The polishing and coating processes significantly altered the tribological properties: they increased the coefficient of friction by approximately 31% while simultaneously reducing volumetric wear by up to 75% for uncoated samples and by 44% for samples with a Ti coating.