Improved corrosion resistance and cytotoxicity of nickel-based alloy using novel plasma processing technique

In this study, we address challenges in the biocompatibility of nickel-based (NiCr) alloys, prevalent in the dental industry, due to toxic metal ion release impacting corrosion resistance and cytotoxicity. Employing magnetron sputtering and cathodic cage plasma nitriding (CCPN), a duplex plasma treatment (DPT) is introduced to the NiCr alloy. The novel approach enhances surface morphology, notably reducing ion leakage compared with untreated samples. Specifically, the CCPN-TiN-treated sample significantly improves corrosion resistance and minimizes metal ion leakage. This transformative DPT emerges as a promising solution for surface modification, particularly mitigating toxic ion leaching in aggressive electrolytes. This research demonstrates a major stride in enhancing NiCr alloy biocompatibility, emphasizing the vital role of innovative surface modification techniques for biomedical applications and challenges.