A detailed study on electrochemical performance and cell viability of nano-YSZ-coated 316L SS sample for dental applications

Development of biocompatible dental implants has attained significant impact in dental industry. In the present work, we report for the development of biocompatible nano-Yttria-stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) coatings on 316L stainless steel (316L SS) obtained by EPD process followed by sintering at air atmosphere. The surface morphology and electrochemical performance of nano-YSZ-coated 316L SS were investigated to evaluate its corrosion behavior in artificial saliva medium. The surface morphology and composition of the coatings were characterized by XRD, Raman, and FESEM with EDAX, respectively. The electrochemical performance of the uncoated metal and nano-YSZ-coated 316L SS samples were evaluated in artificial saliva medium using electrochemical techniques such as Open Circuit Potential – time measurement (OCP), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Cyclic Potentiodynamic Polarization (CPP). The nano-YSZ-coated 316L SS thin film possess significant electrochemical and biocompatibility properties compared to uncoated metal. Nano-YSZ-coated 316L SS (70 V, 5 min, 800 °C) acts as an active and also as a good barrier against corrosive ions and resists ions penetration from artificial saliva to the metal surface.