Preparation and Exploration of Nano-Multi-Layers on 316l Stainless Steel for Surgical Tools

Abstract

Biocompatibility and tribological issues with 316L stainless steel (SS) biomaterials reduce their service life. A metallic substrate made of stainless steel 316L (SS) was employed. After being subjected to a surface anodization process using sulfuric and nitric acids, it was coated with silver using a DC sputtering plasma method. The coating’s crystallinity, morphology, and microstructure have been investigated using structural characterization methods such as XRD, FESEM, and EDS. To assess the coatings’ qualitative adherence to the steel substrates, the coated substrates underwent the Rockwell - C indentation tests. An optical profilometer was used to measure the coatings’ surface properties. The corrosion resistance of coated and uncoated SS substrates was evaluated using potentio-dynamic polarization experiments. The results show that the silver coating and anodized surface increase SS’s resistance to corrosion behavior. The silver-coated SS and surfaces treated for corrosion both see a reduction in the current density of corrosion. These further demonstrate the potential for using surface-treated and silver-coated stainless steel as a surgical instrument to increase biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion.