Obtainment and Characterization of a Silicon alkoxides-based Coating Applied to a Substrate of Stainless Steel 316L for Use in Biomaterials

The silicon alkoxides-based coating is an alternative to control the release of cytotoxic ions through metal implants. This study evaluated the influence of the number of layers of a hybrid coating on the surface of austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L on the corrosion resistance. This coating was produced from the precursors of silicon alkoxides 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MAP) and tetraethoxisylane (TEOS) obtained by sol-gel process, and easily applied by dip-coating. Results indicated that a single layer of coating in the substrate showed a better protection than two layers. This single layer developed by the combination of the precursors TEOS-MAP was enough to create a compact and uniform film with good adherence to AISI 316L and higher electrochemical development. A single layer of TEOS-MAP coating is more adequate as a protective coating for the AISI 361L than the sample subjected to two layers and the non-coated substrate, because this film ensures its integrity in an aggressive environment.