Tribological and Comparative Studies of Ti3P + Ti2Ni Duplex Layers with TiN Nitride Layers on a Metal Substrate Deposited by PVD

This study assessed whether surface engineering can improve the durability of metal components in hip joint endoprostheses by reducing friction, abrasive wear, and corrosion at the head–socket interface. Single-layer TiN coatings and multilayer TiN + (Ti,N)3P + Ti3P + (Ti,Ni) coatings were deposited on Ti6Al4V alloy using plasma- and PVD-based processes and tested in combination with Chirulen 1020 ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Tribological performance, surface condition, microstructure, and chemical composition were evaluated before and after wear testing. The results showed that coating type and deposition method influenced the behavior of the friction pair. The most promising systems were Ti6Al4V coated with titanium nitride by sputtering or plasma spraying and Ti6Al4V with the multilayer coating, both paired with Chirulen 1020. The multilayer-coated Ti6Al4V head combined with a Chirulen 1020 cup provided the most favorable friction-pair performance, indicating its potential to reduce wear-product formation and extend implant service life.