Abstract: Coatings for use in artificial joints and other implanted medical devices. The coatings comprise a dual layer structure vapor deposited atop a medical grade substrate, such as cobalt chromium. The dual layer structure comprises a first ceramic layer vapor deposited atop at least a portion of the substrate and a second ceramic layer deposited atop the first ceramic layer. The first ceramic layer is formed of a material which has particularly good adhesion to the substrate, and the second ceramic layer from a material exhibiting particularly high hardness and good wear characteristics. The vapor deposition process is controlled so as to form a graded interface between the two ceramic layers to form a dual layer coating which resists delamination, adheres well to the substrate, and exhibits good wear characteristics in situ.

Abstract: Coatings for use in artificial joints and other implanted medical devices. The coatings comprise a dual layer structure vapor deposited atop a medical grade substrate, such as cobalt chromium. The dual layer structure comprises a first ceramic layer vapor deposited atop at least a portion of the substrate and a second ceramic layer deposited atop the first ceramic layer. The first ceramic layer is formed of a material which has particularly good adhesion to the substrate, and the second ceramic layer from a material exhibiting particularly high hardness and good wear characteristics. The vapor deposition process is controlled so as to form a graded interface between the two ceramic layers to form a dual layer coating which resists delamination, adheres well to the substrate, and exhibits good wear characteristics in situ.

Abstract: A piston assembly for an internal combustion engine has at least a portion of a contact surface of the piston pin and/or connecting rod coated with a high hardness, lubricious coating. Some disclosed coatings include carbides, nitrides, oxynitrides, carbonitrides and sulfides of transition metals. Chromium nitride is one specifically disclosed coating material. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the coatings.