Interfacial infiltration-driven structure-property relationships in PCL/graphene nanoplatelet nanocomposite coatings on anodized TiO2 nanotubes
Diamond and Related Materials, vol.168, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 168
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.diamond.2026.114027
- Journal Name: Diamond and Related Materials
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO)
- Keywords: Bioactivity, Corrosion resistance, Graphene nanoplatelets, Interfacial infiltration, PCL nanocomposites, TiO2nanotubes, Tribocorrosion
- Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Titanium alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V exhibit excellent corrosion resistance but suffer from poor tribological performance, particularly under tribocorrosion conditions. Porous TiO2 nanotube layers formed by anodization improve bioactivity but may facilitate electrolyte penetration, limiting long-term durability. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL/graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) nanocomposite coatings were fabricated on anodized Ti-6Al-4V ELI via dip-coating to investigate interfacial infiltration-driven structure-property relationships. GNPs were incorporated at 0.3–1.0 wt% to evaluate their effect on nanocomposite organization, nanotube infiltration, and functional performance. The results reveal that 0.5 wt% GNP provides the optimal balance between dispersion, structural integrity, and tribocorrosion resistance. This behavior is attributed to the synergistic interaction between polymer-induced pore sealing and graphene-induced diffusion barrier and solid lubrication effects. The findings demonstrate that interfacial architecture and nanofiller dispersion govern surface performance more critically than coating composition alone, offering a new design paradigm for multifunctional biomedical coatings.