Surface Hydrophilicity and Antifungal Properties of TiO(2) Films Coated on a Co-Cr Substrate

The purpose of this study was to deposit a thin layer of TiO(2) on a Co-Cr substrate, serving as a deactivation film protecting the metallic fitting surface. The crystalline structure and surface morphology of the film were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A scratch tester was used to examine the adhesion strength between the TiO(2) film and the Co-Cr substrate. The water contact angles and antifungal efficacy against C. albicans of the TiO(2)-deposited Co-Cr samples were investigated and further compared with those of uncoated Co-Cr substrates. The results indicated that a pure anatase microstructure and dense and smooth surface texture as well as strong binding to the underlying metallic surface were obtained. The originally hydrophobic Co-Cr alloy surface turned hydrophilic after TiO(2) film coating. Most importantly, the TiO(2)-coated surface showed a superior antifungal capability under UV-irradiation compared to those without TiO(2) coating. This work contains meaningful results for the development of a new metallic framework coating with improved hydrophilicity and antifungal properties.