Surfaces featuring hydrophobic behaviour are generally prepared by a wide spectrum of technologies featuring different process complexity (anodic oxidation, lithography, electrodepositing, etc.). The aim of the work was to use a relatively simple method of magnetron sputtering to prepare metallic hydrophobic surface. Chromium coatings were selected due to their high adhesion to steel and corrosion resistance while conserving certain level of hardness and ductility. The tested coatings included pure Cr and pure Cr with CrN interlayer. The resulting contact angle value of up to 111° has confirmed hydrophobic behaviour. The resulting surface morphology is formed by almost perfectly developed crystals in the shape of hexagonal pyramids providing a suitable surface roughness conditions for hydrophobicity.

We present here a study of coatings prepared from β-Ti binary alloy Ti-39wt%Nb, a promising metallic material. TiNb is a highly corrosion-resistant and non-toxic material that is potentially applicable as a biomaterial. TiNb coatings can be prepared on substrates of widely-used materials, and promise not only improved properties but also a less high price of potential TiNb implants. A TiNb film can also be used as a barrier for limiting the potential diffusion of some allergens and toxic elements from the substrate to the surface, which can be influenced by layer properties. We deposited thin layers of TiNb by magnetron sputtering, which provides excellent layer properties in applications. These layers were prepared on substrates made from Ti, Ti alloys (Ti39Nb and Ti6Al4V) and stainless steel AISI316. The aim of our work was to characterize the structure and the mechanical properties of the layers, in dependence on the type of substrate, for application as coatings for medical implants.