The Influence of the Parameters of the Zinc Oxide Layer Deposition Process Using the Atomic Layer Deposition Method on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of 316LVM Steel

AbstractThe analysis of most of the work on the use of surgical implants shows that the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the implant surface determine the effectiveness of their use. Therefore, in the currently conducted research, the greatest attention is focused on the development of coating conditions on the surface of implants, limiting, among others, biofilm formation. In addition to the improvement of electrochemical properties, an important issue related to the production of layers is also an appropriate set of physical and mechanical properties. Therefore, the paper attempts to assess the physical and mechanical properties of the applied zinc oxide layers on the LVM 316 steel substrate using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. As part of the assessment of mechanical properties of the resulting surface layers, the tests of adhesion to the metal substrate (scratch test) were carried out. In turn, as part of the physical properties assessment, surface roughness tests (atomic force microscopy – AFM) and its wettability were carried out. Such a comprehensive approach will allow the development of an antibacterial layer with optimal physical and mechanical properties for applications with metal implants.