Surface engineering of NiTi via Ta2O5 ALD: stability assessment of barrier properties against exposure to simulated physiological solution

This dataset provides a comprehensive characterization of advanced surface engineering strategies designed for cardiovascular implants. The core of the research focuses on the physicochemical and biological stability of tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) thin films deposited via Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) on a Nitinol (NiTi) shape-memory alloy substrate.The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term durability of ALD-functionalized surfaces when exposed to a simulated physiological environment. The NiTi base material, modified with Ta2O5 coatings, underwent a 60-day long-term exposure in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) at a constant temperature of 37°C under static conditions. This protocol was designed to rigorously test the interface’s resistance to hydrolytic degradation and its impact on the substrate's properties.The database include:morphological and structural analyses - Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the dataset documents changes in nanotopography, microroughness, and surface continuity post-incubation.chemical and spectroscopic analysis - comprehensive data from X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) allow for the precise determination of elemental composition, oxidation states, and chemical bond stability within the Ta2O5 layers.surface energetics and tribology - the collection includes detailed assessments of wettability and Surface Free Energy (SFE). Furthermore, tribological studies provide insights into the mechanical wear resistance of the coatings.electrochemical stability - advanced corrosion studies define the barrier properties of the ALD coatings, ensuring the protection of the NiTi substrate against ions release in physiological media.