Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on the Tribological Properties of TiO₂ Nanotubes for Biomedical

¹ Mechanics, Materials and Processes Laboratory (LMMP), National High School of Engineers of Tunis (ENSIT) - University of Tunis. 5, Taha Hussein Avenue - Montfleury - 1008 Tunis, Tunisia.
² Photovoltaic Laboratory, Research and Energy Technologies Center, Borj Cédria Technopole, BP 95, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia

Abstract

TiO₂ nanotubes were synthesized on titanium foils via anodization and subsequently decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method for four cycles. The resulting nanostructures were characterized by SEM and XRD. The Ag-NPs appeared as uniformly distributed spherical particles anchored on the TiO₂ nanotube surface. The incorporation of Ag led to slight changes in the nanoparticle morphology and crystallinity, which enhanced the overall structural quality of the coating. The tribological performance was evaluated using a progressive load scratch test, which demonstrated improved adhesion strength and wear resistance compared with undecorated TiO₂ nanotubes. These enhancements suggest that TiO₂ nanotubes decorated with Ag-NPs through a controlled four-cycle SILAR process offer promising potential for biomedical applications, particularly in metallic implant coatings, where durability and adhesion are critical.