Preparation, characterisation, hardness and antibacterial properties of Zn–Ni–TiO₂ nanocomposites coatings

Zn–Ni–TiO₂ nanocomposites with various amounts of TiO₂ were successfully prepared by electroplating method on copper substrates using an acidic solution with TiO₂ nanoparticles in suspension. The composition and morphology of the composite coatings were characterised respectively using of scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer and elemental mapping analysis system. The microhardness of the nanocomposite coatings was investigated. The antibacterial activity of Zn–Ni–TiO₂ nanocomposites films was studied against Gram positive ( Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative ( Escherichia coli) bacteria. Antimicrobial property increased upon the increase in the TiO₂ concentration. In addition, the antimicrobial property was more pronounced with the positive bacteria than the negative one. These results demonstrated the microbiocidal property of TiO₂, so Zn–Ni–TiO₂ coatings have great potential applications in reducing biofouling formation in devices that suffer from biofouling problems.