Electron beam treatment of complex titanium-copper oxide films for biomedical applications

Abstract This work investigates the impact of electron beam treatment (EBT) on Ti–Cu oxide coatings deposited on Ti6Al4V via reactive DC magnetron sputtering (MS). The as-deposited films, mainly anatase TiO 2 with minor Cu phases, were post-treated using beam currents of 1 mA and 2 mA. Surface and structural analyses (SEM/EDS, XRD) revealed densification and partial anatase-to-rutile transformation at higher energy input, accompanied by grain coarsening. Mechanical tests revealed a slight decrease in hardness but a significant improvement in adhesion, with critical loads exceeding 30 N following post-EBT treatment. Electrochemical studies in simulated body fluid indicated a strong reduction in corrosion current density for all coatings, with protection efficiencies above 98% at low beam energy. Additionally, EBT reduced copper ion release during immersion, linked to surface densification and phase evolution. The combined MS deposition + EBT treatment enhances adhesion, corrosion resistance, and ion release control, making these coatings promising for biomedical implant applications.