Surface characteristic and cell response of CVD SiC coating for carbon/carbon composites used for hip arthroplasty

SiC coatings were applied on carbon/carbon composites by chemical vapor deposition for potential application in hip arthroplasty. The surface morphology, roughness, and wettability of the coatings were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, laser confocal scanning microscope, and video-based contact angle measuring device, respectively. The bonding strength between the coatings and carbon/carbon composites was analyzed by scratch testing. The cell responses to coatings were studied by analyzing the cell morphology and cell proliferation. The results showed that SiC coatings showed spherical morphology with a roughness of R_a = 1.0 ± 0.2 Âμm and a contact angle of 64.7 ± 4.0°. The coatings had lower surface roughness and better surface hydrophilicity compared with those of the uncoated carbon/carbon composites. A strong shear strength averaging 120.0 MPa between the coating and carbon/carbon composites was achieved. The cell culture experiments showed that cell spreading was improved, and cell proliferation was increased with the SiC coatings. It was demonstrated that CVD-SiC-coated carbon/carbon composites were good candidates as artificial hip joint materials.