Electrodeposited Biocoatings, Their Properties and Fabrication Technologies: A Review

Abstract

Coatings deposited under an electric field are applied for the surface modification of biomaterials. This review is aimed to characterize the state-of-art in this area with an emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages of used methods, process determinants, and properties of coatings. Over 170 articles, published mainly during the last ten years, were chosen, and reviewed as the most representative. The most recent developments of metallic, ceramic, polymer, and composite electrodeposited coatings are described focusing on their microstructure and properties. The direct cathodic electrodeposition, pulse cathodic deposition, electrophoretic deposition, plasma electrochemical oxidation in electrolytes rich in phosphates and calcium ions, electro-spark, and electro-discharge methods are characterized. The effects of electrolyte composition, potential and current, pH, and temperature are discussed. The review demonstrates that the most popular are direct and pulse cathodic electrodeposition and electrophoretic deposition. The research is mainly aimed to introduce new coatings rather than to investigate the effects of process parameters on the properties of deposits. So far tests aim to enhance bioactivity, mechanical strength and adhesion, antibacterial efficiency, and to a lesser extent the corrosion resistance.