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The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) after chemical surface functionalization on the interaction with a titanium surface. Two kinds of MWCNTs differing in terms of concentration of functional groups were deposited on the Ti surface using the electrophoretic deposition method (EPD). The study has shown the detailed analysis of the physicochemical properties of this form of carbon nanomaterial and received on their base coatings using various techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. The adhesion of the MWCNTs coatings to the Ti surface was determined using the shear test method, according to standard ASTM F-1044-05. These results indicated that one type of MWCNTs characterized by a higher concentration of functional groups has better adhesion to the metal surface than the second type. Analysis of the MWCNT–metal interface using Raman spectroscopy and SEM and STEM indicates the presence of phase built of MWCNT and TiO2. This phase could be a type of nanocomposite that affects the improvement of the adhesion of MWCNT to the Ti surface.

The aim of the study was to fabricate and extensively characterize a layer of carbon nanotubes deposited on the surface of titanium, in order to prove that, by selecting proper type of carbon nanotubes and altering different parameters of the electrophoretic deposition process, we are able to obtain products having a different influence on cells—either favouring or inhibiting their survival. In the study, a novel mixture of solvents was used to suspend as-received tubes and then applied in the electrophoretic deposition. High charging capability and high yield of the obtained deposits are promising results when considering up-scaling the process. The surface of the obtained multi-walled carbon nanotubes-coated titanium samples was characterized using SEM, AFM, XPS and Raman microspectroscopy. The carbon nanotube layer showed nanorough topography and was formed of randomly and loosely distributed tubes, and XPS study revealed that there was a significant amount of C–O bonds. These properties were found to be favourable to osteoblast survival, spreading and growth.