Sol gel coatings made using methyl modified alkoxysilanes
The aim of this study was the synthesis and characterisation of hybrid silica coatings, obtained using mixtures of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and three different methyl-modified alkoxysilanes: trimethoxymethylsilane (MTMS), dimethyldiethoxysilane (DMDES) or polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).
As the reported osteogenic properties of the hybrid silica sol-gel materials make these compositions perfect candidates for bone tissue engineering applications, a comparison of the properties of the mentioned materials can reveal the best candidate for the coatings on metallic prostheses.
Coatings to be used in biomedical applications
Homogeneous and well-adhering coatings were obtained using the three methyl-modified reagents. However, different degrees of protection against corrosion, different hydrophilicity and varying degradation kinetics were observed for different precursors. The MTMS-based coating showed the highest hydrophilicity and degradation kinetics; these properties can be associated with increased bioactivity (Si release). In contrast, the PDMS and DMDES-based coatings showed augmented resistance to corrosion and lower permeability to water and, consequently, improved protection of metallic surfaces.
From the physicochemical point of view, all these materials displayed interesting characteristics, relevant for coatings to be used in biomedical applications.
The study has been published in Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 147, October 2020.
