This paper presents a method for producing VTMS/HAp/VTMS/VTMS multilayer coatings on a Grade 2 titanium substrate and characterizes their structure and functional properties. Two solutions were used to produce the coatings: one based on vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) and the other on hydroxyapatite (HAp) powder. The coatings were applied using immersion using the sol-gel method. Microstructural tests of the multilayer coatings were performed, their chemical composition was determined, and the structure was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). A detailed analysis of the geometric structure of the coatings was carried out both before and after corrosion tests. The geometric structure of the multilayer coatings was analyzed using a light microscope and an atomic force microscope (AFM). The thickness of the coatings was determined using a Testan DT-10 AN 120 157 m, and the adhesion of the coatings to the substrate was analyzed using Scotch™ tape. The corrosion resistance of the coatings in simulated body fluid was tested to evaluate their suitability for implantology. As demonstrated by the research presented in this paper, the sol-gel process can successfully produce silane coatings by adding hydroxyapatite powder. The new materials proposed in this study can effectively protect metal materials used in medicine against corrosion.
Keywords: hydroxyapatite coatings; silane coatings; sol–gel method; surface modification; titanium.