Advances in DLC coatings by hybrid PSII and PECVD as a barrier to corrosion in simulated body fluid∗

In this study, diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were deposited on biomedical AISI316L stainless steel by hybrid plasma source ion implantation (PSII) and plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD). Potentiodynamic polarization tests and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) have been employed to investigate the corrosion performance of different DLC films in Tyrode’s simulated body fluid (pH = 7.4). The corrosion resistance of the DLC films by PECVD deteriorated rapidly after 24 h of immersion, but those made by hybrid PSII and PECVD offered more effective barrier for AISI316L stainless steel during 72 h of immersion. The test results demonstrated that the DLC film by hybrid PSII and PECVD possessed less corrosion current density, greater corrosion resistance, and more positive breakdown potential in simulated body fluid. C 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.