TiCuN coating on brass faucets: from beautifully colored appearance to antibacterial properties

To reach antibacterial decorative faucets with gold color as a controlling parameter, TiCuN thin films containing different amounts of copper (Cu), namely 0.24%, 0.51%, and 1.78%, were prepared on the brass alloy. These different Cu contents were reached by applying various amount of titanium (Ti) and deposition time. The combination of magnetron sputtering and cathode arc deposition physical vapor deposition methods (PVD) in a single chamber was used to fabricate these layers. XRD, XPS, EDS, and FE-SEM analyses were applied to explore physical and chemical properties, and antibacterial tests were used to study the efficiency of modification at different times (1 h, 6 h, and 24 h). The results indicate that all samples benefit from nanoparticle size (20–50 nm), and Cu contact boosts the antibacterial rate. The model with copper content of 1.78% has the best and most stable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (99.9% after 6 h).