Engineering of bone fixation metal implants biointerface—Application of parylene C as versatile protective coating

The tribological and protective properties of parylene C coatings (2–20 μm) on stainless steel 316L implant materials were investigated by means of electrochemical measurements and wear tests. The thickness and morphology of the CVD prepared coatings were characterized by scanning electron and laser confocal microscopy. The stability of the coatings was examined in contact with Hanksʹ solution and H2O2 (simulating the inflammatory response). It was concluded that silane–parylene C coating with the optimum thickness of 8 μm exhibits excellent wear resistance properties and limits the wear formation. The engineered versatile coating demonstrates sufficient elastomer properties, essential to sustain the implantation surgery strains and micromotions during long-term usage in the body.