Abstract

Physical surface properties including surface roughness, topography, morphology, and wettability could influence the implant material behavior, bio-response, bacterial contamination and contact with other bio-active surfaces or fluids. This work investigates microand nanoscale roughness parameters and surface morphology of PVD deposited (Ti,Al,V)N/TiO₂ coating using optical microscopy, white light interferometry (WLI), contact profilometer and scanning electron (SEM) microscopy. Results indicated that vacuum oxidized surface possessed medium roughness values, anisotropy in surface texture and irregular morphology. The vacuum oxidation of the nitride maintained the oxide with nano-crystal size and showed pores at the interface between the layers. The effect of prolonged exposure to Ringer-Braun solution droplet on the modified crystalline structure of the oxide was also explained.