Topographical and mechanical properties of sputtered composite coatings with silver nanoparticles for functional surfaces

The development of durable, effective functional coatings is a pressing challenge in biomedical and surface engineering applications. This work investigates the morphological, topographical, and mechanical properties of nanocomposite coatings functionalized by silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) embedded in SiO₂ and ZrO₂ matrices, deposited by co-sputtering. The effects of matrix material and deposition duration are investigated in terms of their impact on composition, morphology, topography and mechanical response, which are tested, respectively, by EDS, FESEM, conductive AFM, topographical microscopy and nanoindentation. Results show a complex combined effect of nano structure and average structural and topographical properties and composition on the mechanical response. Results highlight that for longer depositions, average properties are controlled by micro-scale topography and average structure and composition. Conversely, for shorter depositions, local structural differences strongly influence the average mechanical response and result in a greater dispersion of the mechanical properties. These findings demonstrate the tunability of coating properties through process control. Future research will apply these insights to optimize the functionality of fibers and textiles.