Zn–HA–TiO 2 nanocomposite coatings electrodeposited on a NiTi shape memory alloy

In this work, zinc-hydroxyapatite (Zn-HA) and zinc-hydroxyapatite-titania (Zn-HA-TiO2) nanocomposite coatings were electrodeposited onto a NiTi shape memory alloy, using a chloride zinc plating bath. The structure of the composite coatings was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. According to the results, the Zn-HA-TiO2 coating exhibited a plate–like surface morphology, where the addition of the nanoparticles caused to an increase in roughness. It was also found that due to applying a proper stirring procedure during co-deposition, a homogenous dispersion of the nanoparticles in the coatings was achieved. Also, the addition of the TiO2 nanoparticles to the Zn-HA-TiO2 coating enhanced the microhardness and wear resistance.