Zinc-oxide nanocoating for improvement of the antibacterial and frictional behavior of nickel-titanium alloy.

Abstract

To fabricate a friction-reducing and antibacterial coating with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on nickel-titanium (NiTi) wire.NiTi orthodontic wires were coated with ZnO nanoparticles using the chemical deposition method. Characteristics of the coating as well as the physical, mechanical and antibacterial properties of the wires were investigated.A stable and well-adhered ZnO coating on the NiTi wires was obtained. The hardness and elastic modulus of the ZnO nanocoating were 2.3آ آ±آ 0.2 and 61.0آ آ±آ 3.6 GPa, respectively. The coated wires presented up to 21% reduction in the frictional forces and antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans. ZnO nanocoating significantly improved the surface quality of NiTi wires. The modulus of elasticity, unloading forces and austenite finish temperature were not significantly different after coating.This unique coating could be implemented into practice for safer and faster treatment to the benefit of both patient and clinician.