Improved physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of stainless steel implants by PVA/ZrO₂-based composite coatings

The aim of this study was to improve the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of stainless steel used in medical applications. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was added to a zirconium oxynitrate solution to form a polymer complex solution, which was then coated on the stainless steel substrates and heat treated to produce a thin film. The samples were characterized using various surface analysis techniques, electrochemical corrosion experiments, and biocompatibility assays. The results indicated that the amorphous PVA/ZrO₂-based composite coatings were dense and uniform structure featured with few defects. Increased PVA contents yielded higher film thicknesses, which were correlated with the resulting solution viscosities. The PVA/ZrO₂-based composite coatings on stainless steel substrates resulted in enhanced corrosion protection and displayed excellent adhesion and hydrophilicity. In addition, the PVA/ZrO₂-based composite coatings improved the biocompatibility of the stainless steel substrates compared with the coating without PVA. In summary, the PVA/ZrO₂-based composite coatings can be considered an effective surface modification of stainless steel implants.