ZrO₂ coatings for bioapplication

To shield the surface of potentially harmful metallic biomaterials (e.g. cobalt compounds), application of an inert coating is very successful. Zircon dioxide, which can be deposited on the surface in thin layers is a biologically inert material. The paper studies the impact of the ZrO₂ coating in terms of its barrier properties on various surfaces and in terms of bioactivity. The experiments were carried out in physiological solution with two levels of pH and in physiological solution with the addition of fluoride ions. The composition of coatings was assessed by the XPS method, the interaction with environment was studied using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic curves. Biological tests were performed with MG 63 cell line. Electrochemical measurements indicated good barrier properties of the coating on polished and blasted specimens in the physiological solution environment. Porosity of layers has already shown negative impacts in the presence of fluoride ions. The barrier effect was minimal on the blasted specimen. The polished specimen showed much better properties. The specimens were comparable with titanium in terms of cell interaction.