Synthesis of diamond-like carbon coating by ion beam deposition: investigation of bioactivity behavior

Abstract

In this research, a diamond-like carbon coating was created by an ion beam deposition process on the surface of 316L medical steel to evaluate its bioactivity behavior in a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Raman analysis was used to investigate and form a diamond-like carbon coating. The morphology and surface roughness of the coating were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The bioactivity behavior of the coating was evaluated by immersion in SBF solution. The results of Raman analysis showed the formation of a diamond-like carbon coating. FESEM and AFM observations of the diamond-like carbon coating surface showed the formation of a continuous coating without cracks and with a surface roughness of 4 nm on the surface of 316L stainless steel. The results of immersion in SBF solution by FESEM and EDS indicated the formation of calcium phosphate compounds and the creation of apatite layers on the surface of the diamond-like carbon coating.