The effect of porosity on barrier properties of DLC layers for dental implants

Corrosion behavior of the titanium DLC (a:C-H) layer model system in a physiological solution containing fluoride ions is determined. The disc-shaped specimens of titanium of 16 mm in diameter and 3 mm in height were used. Reference experiments were conducted with uncoated titanium grade 2 and the level of pH was modified using the buffer solution based on potassium hydrogen phthalate and sodium hydroxide. Bode's presentation of titanium and carbon EIS spectra measured after seven days of exposure show that the behavior of graphite corresponding to the exchange electrochemical reactions of the environment is identical. The carbon (DLC) coating is inert in the body environment and the metal which the respective component is made of should be highly corrosion resistant too. The excellent corrosion resistance of titanium and its alloys depends again on their passivity, i.e. on the existence of a very thin oxidic layer.