An Assessment of the Bactericidal and Virucidal Properties of ZrN-Cu Nanostructured Coatings Deposited by an Industrial PVD System

Pathogenic microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, can spread quickly via contaminated surfaces. Most of these pathogenic microorganisms survive on surfaces for a long time. Touching lead to the transmission human body cause serious illnesses. ZrN-Cu coatings containing different amounts Cu were deposited using an industrial PVD system, their ability inhibit inactivate SARS-CoV-2 virus was tested. Microstructural studies showed formation two distinct ZrN phases when content sufficiently high. Hardness elastic modulus inversely proportional content. The outstanding bactericidal properties against Escherichia coli Pseudomonas aeruginosa, especially more than 12 at.% exposure time longer 40 min. coatings, however, did not exhibit any significant virucidal properties. Good mechanical properties, along with excellent antibacterial effects, make suitable use self-sanitizing objects that people regularly touch are prone bacterial contamination. Their would thus allow only minimal or multiplication bacteria, treated surface serve another source infection.