Improvement of biocompatibility properties of 316 L implant material surface

In this study, the surface of 316L stainless steel was coated with a thin layer of titanium in order to be able to practice the process of Micro Arc Oxidation (MAO) on its surface. Coating process of thin layer of titanium was performed by using Plasma Spray, Sol-Gel and Cathodic Arc Physical Vapor Deposition (CAPVD) methods. This study was intended to enhance surface biocompatibility, corrosion and wearing resistance of 316L. The main objective of this study was to ascribe an improved bioactivity to the surface with the intension of an early osseointegration as well as to improve the corrosion and wear resistance of 316L in body environment. Structural and morphological characterization of the two-stage coating thus produced was carried out by using X-ray diffraction and SEM studies. Elemental analysis and wear resistance of the coating were conducted by using EDS and tribo-tester. It was investigated that plasma spray, sol-gel, and cathodic arc physical vapour deposition (CAPVD) method on 316L stainless steel could be used to treat its surface with MAO in order to improve surface bioactivity. According to obtaind results, MAO on stainless steel coating with plasma spray and sol-gel did not give positive results for the samples. On the contrary, MAO on cathodic arc physical vapour deposition coating method is highly promissing.