Electrodeposition of hydroxyapatite and graphene oxide improves the bioactivity of medical grade stainless steel

The improvement of bioactivity, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance of metal substrates are the common goals in biomaterials research. Graphene oxide (GO) for its outstanding chemical and mechanical properties has attracted researchers. Relatively, Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been employed as a biocompatible coating material to improve bone fixation property, durability, and osteointegration of an implant. Therefore, in this study, a composite of GO and HA (GO-HA) was coated on medical grade stainless steel (MS 316L) substrate by anodic electrochemical deposition to improve mechanical peeling resistance, corrosion resistance, and bioactivity. The coating's morphology and ability to cover the substrate surface were analyzed by SEM-EDS, XPS, and the surface roughness by AFM. The coating's structural properties were analyzed with Raman spectroscopy. The investigation of corrosion inhibition involved open circuit potential, EIS, and Voltammetry analysis. The standard salt test, an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) G48A for stainless steel substrate, has also been studied. The bioactivity of the coated substrates was investigated in simulated body fluid (SBF). Significant enhancement of corrosion potential as well as bioactivity of the coated substrates has been achieved. GO-HA coating onto MS 316L was strongly adherent, uniform, and able to provide optimum surface roughness. Hence, the combination of the improved surface properties and bioactivity indicates that GO-HA coating can be utilized to overcome apposite limitations of bare MS 316L surface in clinical settings.