Thin layer substrate coating and method of forming same

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to coating deposition and coatings for dental and orthopedic devices that provide prevention or reduction of ion leakage and, in some situations, improved aesthetic appearances.

1 . A coating composition, comprising:
 pigment particles; and   one or more atomic thin film layers of an oxide or nitride disposed on and/or under the pigment particles, wherein the one or more thin film layers are formed such that the pigment particles are dispersed within the one or more thin film layers.   
     
     
         2 . The coating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the pigment particles further comprise a binder. 
     
     
         3 . The coating composition of  claim 2 , wherein the binder comprises polyvinyl alcohol. 
     
     
         4 . The coating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the pigment particles define a pigment matrix having a plurality of pores. 
     
     
         5 . The coating composition of  claim 4 , wherein the one or more thin film layers are at least partially disposed in the plurality of pores forming a dispersion matrix. 
     
     
         6 . The coating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more thin film layers comprise silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, tantalum oxide, titanium nitride, or aluminum nitride. 
     
     
         7 . The coating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the coating composition comprises a first one or more thin film layers of an oxide or nitride on which is disposed the pigment particles, wherein a second one or more thin film layers of an oxide or nitride are further disposed on the pigment particles. 
     
     
         8 . The coating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more thin film layers form a coating having a thickness of approximately 15-250 nm. 
     
     
         9 . The coating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more thin film layers form a coating having a thickness of approximately 40-90 nm. 
     
     
         10 . The coating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more thin film layers form a coating that is optically transparent. 
     
     
         11 . A coated substrate, comprising:
 a dental or orthopedic substrate; and   one or more atomic thin film layers of an oxide or nitride disposed on the substrate to form a coated substrate.   
     
     
         12 . The coated substrate of  claim 11 , wherein the substrate comprises at least one of titanium, titanium-aluminum-vanadium, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, nickel-chromium, and nickel-titanium. 
     
     
         13 . The coated substrate of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more thin film layers comprise silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, tantalum oxide, titanium nitride, or aluminum nitride. 
     
     
         14 . The coated substrate of  claim 11 , wherein the substrate comprises an alloy and wherein the one or more thin film layers provide a reduction of ion leakage from the alloy in an amount of at least 60% in comparison to the alloy without the one or more thin film layers. 
     
     
         15 . The coated substrate of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more thin film layers form a coating having a thickness of approximately 15-250 nm. 
     
     
         16 . The coated substrate of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more thin film layers form a coating having a thickness of approximately 40-90 nm. 
     
     
         17 . The coated substrate of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more thin film layers form a coating that is optically transparent. 
     
     
         18 . The coated substrate of  claim 11 , wherein the substrate is constructed from a biocompatible material. 
     
     
         19 . The coated substrate of  claim 11 , wherein the substrate is constructed from a material that is not biocompatible, and wherein the one or more thin film layers render the substrate biocompatible.