Corrosion behaviour of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy after functionalization by polyacrylic acid using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition

Author(s)

Teixeira, Gabriella Teresinha Lima ; Ferreira, Murilo Oliveira Alves ; Gelamo, Rogerio Valentim ; Obata, Malu Mateus Santos ; Perini, Hugo Felix ; da Silva, Marcos Vinicius ; de Siervo, Abner ; Slade, Gabriel Gouvea ; Moreto, Jeferson Aparecido ; Leite Slade, Natalia Bueno

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EMERGENT MATERIALS; v. 7, n. 5, p. 19-pg., 2024-05-28.

Abstract

The plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique emerges as a versatile approach for the functionalization of metallic materials, offering the capability to produce coatings endowed with antimicrobial properties, good biocompatibility, and enhanced resistance to corrosion processes. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a thin plasma polymer based on polyacrylic acid (PAA) film coated onto Ti-6Al-4V alloy via the PECVD technique in inhibiting uniform corrosion processes and exerting antibacterial activity. The electrochemical behaviour was accessed by using open circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization (PP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 0.6 mol L-1 NaCl solution. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique was used to characterize the thin film produced in the metallic surfaces. It also confirmed that PECVD was advantageous for producing the PAA coating onto Ti-6Al-4V surface by presenting a thickness of about 180 nm, determined through AFM technique. The electrochemical results demonstrated that the PAA coatings act as protective barrier, improving the corrosion resistance of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Contact angle measurements and surface free energy analysis revealed a decrease in surface wettability induced by the PAA deposition process. Biological tests evaluating antibiofilm activity demonstrated a reduction of 70% and 60% in the adhesion of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria, respectively, compared to the bare material, while preserving cell viability. These findings highlight the inhibitory properties of the developed material, providing a proof of concept for an innovative, practical material with a wide range of potential applications. The functionalization process shows potential for enabling a more aseptic and safer implantation procedure, leading to an extended lifespan compared to the bare material. This broadens the scope of applications for the Ti-6Al-4V alloy in the biomedical field. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/12929-3 - On-surface synthesis of tunable single layer low dimensional materials: understanding their chemical integrity, vibronic, electronic, and spin properties
• Grantee: Abner de Siervo
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 07/54829-5 - Electronic and geometric structure of nano-materials: synchrotron radiation studies
• Grantee: Richard Landers
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants