Surface Modification of Nitinol by Biocompatible Passive Films

Nitinol, near-equiatomic nickel-titanium alloy, exhibits unique properties, shape memory effect and superelasticity, and is therefore of a huge importance in biochemical engineering for medical devices. The high corrosion resistivity and biocompatibility are required in application of Nitinol as implant material for cardiovascular stents and orthodontic wires. Thus, a main goal of this work was designing and optimizing corrosion resistant and biocompatible coatings on Nitinol. Electrochemical methods were used for the functionalization of the Nitinol surface with anodically formed oxide films in acetic acid and investigation of their barrier and semiconducting properties.