Zn–HA–TiO2 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. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.