The aim of this study is to modify the surface of Nitinol (Nickel Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory) alloy by covering with diamond-like carbon to improve the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, and to prevent the toxic nickel ion release inside the human body. This alloy has unique properties, including shape memory effect and super elasticity, which make it an attractive candidate for biomedical applications. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were deposited by d.c. magnetron sputtering using a graphite target and argon as the discharge gas. The electrochemical characteristics of the DLC coatings were investigated by electrochemical techniques (potentiodynamic polarization test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) at 37• C in Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). Surface analysis of the DLC coatings was conducted by means of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), SEM and Vickers microhardness, and the thickness of DLC layer was measured using interferometry technique. The metallic ions release in bulk solution was studied by inductive coupling plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In the case of uncoated samples, the release of metallic ions in bulk solution was much higher than in the case of DLC coated samples. Also, the corrosion resistance and Vickers microhardness of DLC-coated samples were improved in comparison with the uncoated samples.
The biocompatibility of commercially pure zirconium and its alloys is closely related to their surface properties with both the composition of the protecting oxide film and the surface topography playing an important role. This article is a study of corrosion behavior of new zirconium alloys for orthopedic implants, which are supposed to be used instead of some implant materials that have a higher citotoxicity. For this reason, zirconium and its alloys will be employed widely in biomedical applications. The higher stability and corrosion resistance exhibited by zirconium are due to the spontaneous formation of a passive zirconium oxide film, which protects the metal from further oxidation. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are used as electrochemical techniques. Measurements were carried out to investigate the corrosion behavior of zirconium and Zr2.5Nb, Zr3Ta, and Zr2.5Nb3Ta alloys in aerated Hank solution at 37 ± 0.2 • C. The results of EIS were compared with those obtained by potentiodynamic polarization techniques. Impedance spectra were represented both in complex impedance diagram (Nyquist plot) and Bode plots. The EIS measurements have confirmed this stability range and pointed out the formation of oxide layers on the electrode surfaces.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of Nb amount on electrochemical behaviour and surface properties for Oxinium-like Zr-Nb biomedical alloys. Oxinium (heat treated Zr-2.5%Nb alloy) represents the newest metal-ceramic composite used in orthopaedic surgery for total hip and total knee replacement. We used potentiodynamic polarization measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as electrochemical techniques and Vickers micro-hardness as surface properties evaluation technique.
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrices containing low-density polyethylene (LDPE), hydroxyapatite (HAp) as filler, and rosemary extract (RM) as stabilizer were investigated for their qualification for long-term applications. The significant contributions of the blend components were analyzed, and variations in mechanical properties, oxidation strength, thermal behavior, crystallinity, and wettability were discussed. SEM images of microstructural peculiarities completed the introspective survey. The stability improvement due to the presence of both additives was an increase in the total degradation period of 67% in comparison with an unmodified HDPE/UHMWPE blend when the materials were subjected to a 50 kGy γ-dose. There was growth in activation energies from 121 kJ mol−1 to 139 kJ mol−1 when HAp and rosemary extract delayed oxidation. The exposure of samples to the action of γ-rays was found to be a proper procedure for accomplishing accelerated oxidative degradation. The presence of rosemary extract and HAp powder significantly increased the thermal and oxidation resistances. The calculation of material lifetimes at various temperatures provided meaningful information on the wearability and integrity of the inspected composites.
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