Facile and Scalable Co-deposition of Anti-bacterial Zn-GNS Nanocomposite Coatings for Hospital Facilities: Tribo-Mechanical and Anti-corrosion Properties

Abstract

Frequently touched surfaces in the hospital environment act as a reservoir for the bacteria responsible for healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). In this study, graphene nanosheets (GNS) were incorporated into a low-cost Zn coating using electrochemical co-deposition (ECD) to prevent HCAIs. The effects of different concentrations of GNS in the ECD bath (25 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L) were evaluated in detail for microstructural, tribo-mechanical, surface wetting, anti-corrosion, and anti-bacterial features of coatings. The microhardness, friction coefficient, wear loss, and polarization resistance values were remarkably improved from 77 HV, 0.7 mg, 26.1 mg and 13.68 kΩ cm2 mg for the pure Zn coating to 151 HV, 0.48 mg, 12.09 mg and 2.3 kΩ cm2 for the Zn-GNS (100 mg/L) nanocomposite coating, respectively. The anti-bacterial activities of the coatings were enhanced with the increase in GNS concertation in the ECD bath and Zn-GNS (100 mg/L) nanocomposite coating exhibited inhibition zones of 22 mm and 25 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria.