Ti(C, N) as Barrier Coatings

Metals and their alloys are materials that have long been used in stomatological prosthetics and orthodontics. The side effects of their application include reactions of the body such as allergies. Their source can be corrosion products as well as metal ions released in the corrosion process, which penetrate the surrounding tissue. In order to prevent the harming effect of metal alloys, intensive research has been performed to purify metal prosthetic restorations by way of modifying their surface. The study presents the investigation results of Ti(C, N)-type coatings applied to alloy Ni–Cr by means of the magnetronic method. Five coatings differing in the nitrogen and carbon content were investigated. The studies included the determination of the coatings’ chemical composition, construction, as well as the amount of ions released into the environment: distilled water, 0.9% NaCl and artificial saliva. The performed investigations showed that, in reference to an alloy without a coating, each coating constitutes a barrier reducing the amount of ions transferred into the examined solutions. So, Ti(C, N)-type coatings can be considered for biomedical applications as protective coatings of non-precious metal alloys.