Coatings with and without Concentration Gradient on ۳۱۶L Stainless Steel for Biomedical Applications

In this study, copper-doped diamond-like carbon (Cu-DLC) nanocomposite coatings were synthesized on ۳۱۶L stainless steel substrates for biomedical implant applications. A novel approach involving a graded concentration of copper throughout the coating thickness was employed and compared with homogeneous Cu-DLC and undoped DLC coatings. Structural and morphological analyses using FE-SEM and EDS confirmed the formation of gradient and uniform copper distribution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) demonstrated that the gradient Cu-DLC coatings significantly improved corrosion resistance, increasing charge transfer resistance by ۸۱% and coating resistance by ۳۲۲% compared to undoped DLC. These results suggest that graded doping enhances coating adhesion and corrosion protection, offering great potential for biomedical applications. Furthermore, the improved surface characteristics may promote better biocompatibility and reduce implant-related complications. This study provides a promising strategy for designing advanced coatings that combine mechanical stability with enhanced biological performance. Future work could explore in vivo evaluations and the optimization of copper gradients for various biomedical devices.

کلیدواژه ها:

Diamond-like carbon ، Copper doping ، Corrosion resistance ، Gradient structure ، Biomedical coating ، Nanocomposite