In this study, plasma electrolyte oxidation (PEO) method was employed to modify the surface of Ti–6Al–4V. Effects of different concentrations of ZrO2 nanoparticles (0, 1, 3 and 5 g/l) into a phosphate-based electrolyte on the morphology, wettability, antibacterial and corrosion behaviors of coatings were investigated. Microstructural analyses of coatings were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive spectrometer. Also, X-ray diffraction, contact angle instrument and profilometry were respectively used to perform phase analysis, wettability, and surface roughness of the coatings. The antibacterial test was conducted with spot inoculation method on four pathogenic bacteria. Polarization and impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed in Hank's solution to investigate the corrosion behavior of coatings. The results revealed that PEO coatings without nanoparticles and by increasing the concentration of the ZrO2 nanoparticles up to 3 g/l in the electrolyte led to a significant improvement in the antibacterial activities of gram-negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa and E. Coli). In the case of gram-positive bacteria, the PEO coated samples demonstrated improved antibacterial effects but addition of ZrO2 nanoparticles in the PEO coatings resulted in deterioration of antibacterial effect. The sample coated with 3 g/l ZrO2 nanoparticles showed the peak corrosion resistance compared to its counterparts.
