Influence of sterilization and exposure to the Ringer's solution on physicochemical properties of nitrocarburized 316 LVM steel.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the nitrocarburizing process carried out in low temperature plasma using the active screen at 440 °C on the structure and physicochemical properties of the 316LVM steel. Methods: In the paper, results of micro-structure and phase composition of the layers, roughness, and surface wettability, potentiodynamic pitting corrosion resistance, penetration of ions into the solution as well as biological tests were present. The studies were conducted for the samples of both mechanically polished and nitrocarburized surfaces, after sterilization, and exposure to the Ringer's solution. Results: Based on the obtained results, the influence of sterilization and exposure to Ringer's solution on the physicochemical properties of the surface of both the substrate and the layer were determined. The formation of a nitrocarburizing layer resulting in a favorable increase in the tested parameters was observed. Conclusions: In the conclusion, the suitability of the proposed 316LVM steel surface treatment method for short-term implants can be confirmed.