Structural and electrochemical examinations of PACVD TiO2 films in Ringer solution.

The conditions for obtaining titanium dioxide from the substrates titanium tetrachloride and oxygen and applying this to a surgical stainless steel of the type 316L by the plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition method have been determined. It was established that, during the process, titanium dioxide anatase is created, Crystallizing in a tetragonal lattice. During exposure of the 316L steel with the titanium dioxide coating, in Ringer's solution, protective properties of this covering improve. After 120 h the coating adopts superior barrier characteristics. Titanium dioxide covering increases the resistivity of steel of the type 316L to pitting corrosion and general corrosion. Any damage or partial removal of the coating does not cause an increased galvanic corrosion of the substrate.