Metallic biomaterials TiN-coated: corrosion analysis and biocompatibility.

Corrosion processes due to contact with the physiological environment should be avoided or minimized in orthopedic implants. Four metallic substrates frequently used as biomaterials: pure Ti, Ti-6Al-4V alloy, ASTM F138 stainless steel, and Co-Cr-Mo alloy, were coated with TiN using the physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique. These coatings have been screened by polarization curves in physiological solutions. TiN prepared by PVD is efficient as coating for stainless steel. On titanium and alloy there are no benefits concerning the corrosion resistance compared to the bare Ti-materials. TiN coatings have been screened according to ISO 10993 standard tests for biocompatibility and exhibited no cytotoxicity, dermal irritation, or acute systemic toxicity response.