Sol-Gel Fabrication of Bioactive Glass Coatings:" Effect of Process Variables on Coating and Evaluation of its Properties"
Subject Areas : journal of New Materials
Tara Asgari Arjenaki
1
,
Mansour Rahsepar
2
1 - Ph.D. student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
2 - عضو هیات علمی بخش مهندسی مواد دانشگاه شیراز
Keywords: Biocompatible Materials, Corrosion, Sol-Gel Processing, Stainless Steel, Surface Coating ,
Abstract :
Introduction: Bioactive glass coatings have attracted attention in biomedical applications due to their ability to bond with bone and enhance biocompatibility. However, ensuring structural stability and corrosion protection of metallic implants in physiological environments remains challenging.
Methods: In this study, a bioactive glass with the composition 80SiO₂–15CaO–5P₂O₅ was synthesized via the sol-gel method and applied onto 316L stainless steel using dip-coating. Processing parameters such as withdrawal speed and sol viscosity were optimized to improve coating quality and corrosion resistance. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to examine the structure and morphology. Corrosion resistance was assessed using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Mechanical performance was evaluated through Vickers microhardness and adhesion tests.
Findings: The optimal coating, obtained at a withdrawal speed of 4 cm/min and low sol viscosity, showed a uniform, crack-free, porous structure with strong adhesion. XRD confirmed the amorphous nature of the coating after heat treatment at 700 °C, essential for maintaining bioactivity. Corrosion tests revealed a marked improvement in resistance compared to the bare substrate, with reduced corrosion current density and higher polarization resistance. Surface hardness also increased from 198 HV (substrate) to 230 HV (coated).
Conclusion: These results suggest that sol-gel derived bioactive glass coatings, when processed under optimized conditions, offer enhanced mechanical integrity and corrosion resistance in simulated body environments, making them a promising strategy for improving the longevity and functionality of metallic implants.
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