The Effect of PEO Treatment in a Ta-Rich Electrolyte on the Surface and Corrosion Properties of Low-Carbon Steel for Potential Use as a Biomedical Material

Fe-based materials have extensive applications in the building and automobile industries due to their excellent mechanical properties low cost. However, biomedical employment is restricted by corrosion propensity when contact with bodily fluids. In this study, single-step Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation, PEO, treatment Ta-rich electrolyte was used, for first time, improve resistance of low-carbon steel SAE 1020 possible use as device implants. The effect applied voltage on chemical phase composition, topography, wettability, roughness, were addressed. results indicated that oxide coatings had a rough hydrophilic surface, increasing Ta content potential. composition mainly composed hematite (Fe2O3), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy, FTIR, spectrums indicating presence some absorbed water organic molecules. PEO-treated samples better than substrate against saline solution (0.9% NaCl) Fe2O3 growth decorated particles, especially sample treated at 200 V. state Ta-enriched could significantly applicability low-cost biomaterial, particularly medical devices.