Abstract

In this work, methyl methacrylate based coatings are deposited on Ti, using an atmospheric pressure DBD plasma to improve the Ti-PMMA bone cement interfacial adhesion. Surface analysis (XPS, AFM, optical reflectance spectroscopy) indicates a well-controlled deposition process of long-term water-stable coatings with good tunability towards thickness and functional group retention. Different sample series, both plasma activated and plasma coated, immobilized in bone cement, are submitted to pull-out tests. Results show a maximum increase of 50% in adhesive force. Ageing tests show that plasma-treated samples return to their original adhesive properties within 14 days, while plasma-coated samples maintain stability. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.