Improved corrosion protection of a NiTi implant by an electrodeposited HAp-Nb2O5 composite layer

The mechanical and biological characteristics of NiTi alloy provide opportunities in biomedical fields ranging from orthopedics to intravascular stents. However, Ni ion release when the alloy is exposed to corrosive body fluid can lead to long-term health-related concerns. Improved surface engineering via the application of biological layers on the NiTi can contribute to higher corrosion resistance. HAp-based layers were cathodically deposited from an aqueous electrolyte containing calcium nitrate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, and concentrations of suspended Nb2O5 particles from 0 to 1 g/L under pulsed current conditions. Surface morphology, topography, and surface chemistry of the electroplated layers were characterized by FESEM, AFM, and FTIR analysis, respectively. The corrosion behavior of the bare and coated samples in Ringer's solution was evaluated by EIS and potentiodynamic polarization; the corroded surfaces were imaged by FESEM. A more compact and smoother surface was formed in the presence of particulate Nb2O5 inclusions. The composite coating showed excellent anti-corrosion properties, increasing the polarization resistance of pure HAp films by >10 times. FESEM imaging of corroded surfaces showed the partial detachment of plate-like HAp crystals from the surface of the coated NiTi in contrast to the pitting of the bare NiTi surface. The surface modification of NiTi by electrodeposited HAp-Nb2O5 composite coatings might play an important role in the future use of NiTi in clinical applications.