Abstract
In this research, a series of biocompatible coatings are applied to nickel-free austenitic stainless steel via the electrophoretic method. Hydroxyapatite (nHA) and titania (nTiO2) nanoparticles are utilized as primary materials, while polycaprolactone (PCL) is employed as a binder for production of the electrolyte suspensions. Optimum concentration of binder is achieved and suspensions with different amounts of nHA-nTiO2 are fabricated and investigated. The suspensions are characterized by particle size distribution, zeta potential, and viscometer measurements. The results show that PCL is protonated via an electrostatic stabilization mechanism absorbed on the nHA-nTiO2 surface, which stabilizes the suspension. Microstructural of coated layers is characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, and scanning electronic microscopy. Mechanical properties of the coating are measured by microhardness, thickness measurements, pin-on-disk sliding, and pull-off adhesion tests. Moreover, the electrochemical behavior of the coated layers is investigated via Tafel polarization tests in simulated body fluid (SBF). It is found that the coated layer containing PCL (2 g/l) has the highest adhesion strength and a smoother surface with minimal or no cracks or pores. Mechanical characterization indicated that the hardness and wear resistance of the coating can improve by increasing the TiO2 concentration, while increased TiO2 enhances the electrochemical behavior of the coating too.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call