ESR 8: Aqueous electrodeposition of hydroxyapatite and Ag NPs-HA and ZnO-HA composite films with antifouling performance

• Host institution: Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), Spain
• Supervisor: Dr. Eva Pellicer (eva.pellicer(at)uab.cat)
• ESR 8: John Michael Ahmed Escobar Hernandez (johnmichael.escobar(at)uab.cat)

Project Description

The objective is the pulse electrodeposition of dense and porous hydroxyapatite (HA) films on Ti-based metallic surfaces. Characterisation of their structure, residual stress, and adhesion. Electrodeposition of composite coatings consisting of HA matrix and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) or ZnO as fillers. Evaluation of the factors affection Ag and ZnO incorporation and distribution within the matrix. Assessment of films’ wettability. Tuning of coatings roughness and porosity to enhance surface hydrophobic characteristics. Assessment of their cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity by in vitro testing.

Expected Results: Production of adherent, hydrophobic, and antifouling HA composite coatings by electrodeposition. Determination of the key factors enabling a relevant incorporation of Ag and ZnO NPs in the coating. Correlation between surface wettability with corrosion and biofouling performance.

ESR 8: John Michael Ahmed Escobar Hernandez

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Spain

Michael Escobar obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidad de Los Andes (Colombia), in 2016. 

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