Biocompatible coatings produced on the basis of the chemically extracted natural hydroxyapatite (HAp) from the animal bones were deposited using multiplex method comprising glow discharge nitriding (GDN) of the titanium alloy substrate and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of HAp on the formerly fabricated titanium nitride layer (TiN). The TiN interlayer plays an important role improving adhesion of HAp to substrate and preserves the direct contact of the tissue with metallic substrate in the case of possible cracking of HAp coating. Surface morphology of deposited layers, crystallographic texture and residual stress were studied in relation to the type of laser applied to ablation (Nd:YAG or ArF excimer), laser repetition, temperature of substrate and atmosphere in the reactive chamber.

Studies on biocompatibility of AISI 316LVM steel indicate the need to eliminate the nickel from the surface and replace it with other elements of improved biocompatibility. Therefore, in the presented work selected physicochemical and mechanical properties of the diffusive nitrocarburized layer formed by plasma potential by means of an active screen made of the Fe-Cr-Ni were studied. In the paper we present results of microstructure and phase composition of the layers, roughness, and surface wettability, potentiodynamic pitting corrosion resistance, penetration of ions into the solution as well as mechanical properties. The studies were conducted for the samples of both mechanically polished and nitrocarburized surfaces, after sterilization, and exposure to the Ringer’s solution. Deposition of the nitrocarburized layer increased the contact angle, surface roughness, surface hardness, and corrosion resistance with respect to the polished surfaces. The nitrocarburized layer is a barrier against the ions release into the solution and sterilization and exposure to Ringer solution. The obtained results showed beneficial increase of both mechanical and electrochemical properties of the deposited layer, and thus the applicability of the proposed method of surface treatment of the 316LVM steel for short-term implants after sterylization.

The oral cavity due to its temperature fluctuations, changing pH, high humidity, action of mechanical forces and the presence of microorganisms is a favorable environment for degradation of dental materials. The paper presents comparative results on orthodontic arch-wires AISI304 steel before and after low temperature plasma nitriding carried out at cathodic potential (conventional) and at plasma potential, i.e. in a process incorporating an active screen. Corrosion resistance test on nitrided layers produced on stainless steel were carried out via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the potentiodynamic method in non-deaerated artificial saliva solution at 37°C. The results were complemented with analysis of the structure, surface topography and microhardness. The results showed an increase in corrosion resistance of AISI304 steel after conventional glow-discharge nitriding.

AISI 316L steel was subjected to nitrocarburizing under glow discharge conditions, which was followed by DLC (diamond-like carbon) coatings deposition using the same device. The coatings were applied under conditions of direct current and pulsed glow discharge. In order to determine the influence of the produced nitrocarbon austenite layer and the type of discharge on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the coatings, the following features were analysed: surface roughness, coating thickness, structure, chemical composition, adhesion and resistance to frictional wear. For comparison purposes, DLC coatings were also deposited on steel without a nitrocarburised layer. The obtained results indicate a significant influence of the type of glow discharge on the roughness, hardness, nitrogen content and of the nitrocarburised layer on the resistance to wear by friction and adhesion of the produced coatings.