Method and device for producing layered nanocarbon structures
AssigneeLion Alternative Energy PLC
InventorKostas Liapis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A workpiece includes a surface having a layered nanocarbon coating. The layered nanocarbon coating includes an amorphous diamond-like sp3 carbon layer, a graphite sp2 carbon layer disposed on the sp3 layer, and a linear chain and polymer sp1 carbon layer disposed on the sp2 layer. Each of the sp3, sp2, and sp1 carbon layers has a thickness in the range of about 20 to 100 nm, and the layered nanocarbon coating is applied by vacuum deposition of carbon plasma and sequential irradiation with inert gas ions at different energy levels.
Claims20
A workpiece comprising a surface having a layered nanocarbon coating, the layered nanocarbon coating comprising:
- an amorphous diamond-like sp3 carbon layer;
- a graphite sp2 carbon layer disposed on the sp3 layer;
- and
- a linear chain and polymer sp1 carbon layer disposed on the sp2 layer;
- wherein each of the sp3, sp2, and sp1 carbon layers has a thickness in the range of about 20 to 100 nm, and the layered nanocarbon coating is applied by vacuum deposition of carbon plasma and sequential irradiation with inert gas ions at different energy levels.
A cardiovascular stent comprising:
- a metallic scaffold formed of stainless steel or a cobalt-chromium alloy;
- and
- a layered nanocarbon coating applied to at least a portion of the scaffold, the coating comprising an sp3 carbon layer, a drug eluting layer deposited over the sp3 carbon layer, an sp2 carbon layer, and an sp1 carbon layer, sequentially disposed;
- wherein the nanocarbon layers are applied without interlayer mixing or contamination by controlling plasma deposition and ion irradiation sequences and the coating is configured to inhibit thrombosis and corrosion, inhibit restenosis, reduce thrombogenicity of the metallic scaffold, enhance biocompatibility, and prevent release of metallic ions into body tissue.
An orthopedic implant component selected from the group consisting of a femoral stem, acetabular cup, femoral head, or knee joint, the component comprising:
- a structural body formed from a biocompatible metal or alloy;
- and
- a layered nanocarbon coating disposed on at least one surface of the structural body, the coating comprising an amorphous diamond-like sp3 carbon layer, a graphite sp2 carbon layer, and a linear chain and polymer sp1 carbon layer;
- wherein the sp3 layer serves as a barrier against diffusion of metallic ions from the implant body and layered nanocarbon coating facilitates bone integration, prevents wear-
- induced osteolysis, and increases the wear resistance of the implant surface by 200% to 500%.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.