Corrosion behaviour of single and double layer hydroxyapatite coatings on 316L stainless steel by plasma spray

AISI316L stainless steel is extensively used in orthopedic and dental applications. However, this alloy exhibits low integration behaviour when it comes in contact with surrounding bone tissue and implant healing duration can be as much as few months. The aim of this study is the fabrication of biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on stainless steel substrate in order to accelerate the process of osseointegration of implants. The biocompatible single layer of Titania (TiO₂), Hydroxyapatite and bi-layer TiO₂/HA coatings were deposited by atmospheric plasma spray on 316L stainless steel. Coated and uncoated stainless steel specimens were incubated in simulated body fluids and 0.9% NaCl solutions for 1h and 7 days. In vitro electrochemical-corrosion evaluation of coated and uncoated stainless steel specimens have been investigated by Tafel extrapolation and linear polarization methods. Results indicates that corrosion resistance of single layer HA coated stainless steel specimens are superior to single layer TiO₂ and bi-layer HA/TiO₂ coated stainless steel specimens.     

Enhancing Biocompatibility and Corrosion Resistance of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy by Surface Modification Route

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used as candidate materials for biomedical implants. Despite their good biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, these materials suffer from corrosion after implantation in biological environments. The aim of this research work is to study the effect of two coatings on biocompatibility and corrosion behavior of Ti-6Al-4V biomedical implant material. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and hydroxyapatite/titanium dioxide (HA/TiO₂) coatings were thermal-sprayed on Ti-6Al-4V substrates. In the latter case, TiO₂ was used as a bond coat between the substrate and HA top coat. The corrosion behavior of coated and un-coated samples in Ringer’s solution was studied by potentiodynamic and linear polarization techniques. Before and after corrosion testing, XRD and SEM/EDS techniques were used for the analysis of phases formed and to investigate microstructure/compositional changes in the coated specimens. The cellular response was analyzed by the MTT (microculture tetrazolium) assay. The results showed that both the HA, as well as, the HA/TiO₂ coatings significantly increased the corrosion resistance of the substrate material. The HA coating was found to be more biocompatible as compared to the un-coated and HA/TiO₂-coated Ti-6Al-4V alloy.     

Characterization of Thermal-Sprayed HAP and HAP/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Coatings for Biomedical Applications

In the present study, hydroxyapatite (HAP) coating along with HAP/TiO₂ coating has been deposited by high-velocity flame spray (HVFS) technique onto 316LSS. Titania was used as a bond coat and HAP as top coat in HAP/TiO₂ coating. The main aim of the study is to investigate the corrosion behavior of thermal spray coating of HAP and HAP/TiO₂ on steel. Electrochemical corrosion testing was carried out using potentiodynamic polarization test. The corrosion behavior of bare and as-sprayed specimens was analyzed in simulated body fluid known as Hank’s solution. As-sprayed specimens along with corroded specimens were further characterized by XRD, SEM/EDS, and x-ray mapping analysis. It was observed that the HAP/TiO₂ coating possessed higher microhardness (280 Hv) as compared to HAP coating (254 Hv). Surface roughness also got enhanced in case of HAP/TiO₂ coating (9.35 μm) as compared to pure HAP coating (7.37 μm). The porosity of the HAP coating was found to be higher than the bond coating. It was observed that the Ca/P ratio almost resembled that of the natural bone composition. The corrosion resistance of steel increased after the deposition of HAP and HAP/TiO₂ coatings. The maximum corrosion resistance was exhibited by HAP/TiO₂ coating.     

Corrosion Inhibition of 304 Stainless Steel by Nano-Sized Ti/Silicone Coatings in an Environment Containing NaCl and Water Vapor at 400–600°C

The corrosion behavior of 304 stainless steel (SS) and its corrosion inhibition by brushing nano-sized Ti/silicone coatings on its surface in an environment containing a solid NaCl deposit and water vapor at 400–600°C was studied. Results indicated that water vapor or NaCl, especially water vapor plus NaCl accelerated the corrosion of the steel markedly. The corrosion scales of the uncoated steel had a duplex structure at 400–500°C and internal oxidation occurred for the uncoated steel at 600°C in an environment containing NaCl and water vapor. The corrosion of the 304SS was inhibited efficiently by the coatings at 400–500°C, and the coated steel suffered corrosion to some extent and most of the coatings were destroyed at 600°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the corrosion products of the uncoated steel were mainly Fe₂O₃, Cr₂O₃, NiO or Na₂CrO₄, and the coatings consisted mainly of TiO₂ and SiO₂ after exposure at 400–500°C. The good corrosion resistance of the nano-sized Ti/silicon coatings was attributed to the formation of SiO₂, and TiO₂ that resulted from the decomposition of the organic components in the coating and fast oxidation of nano-Ti powder respectively during the experiments, TiO₂ mixed together with SiO₂ and formed a new coating on the steel surface that played an important role in the protection of the steel.     

钛合金表面GO/HA/MAO复合膜层的制备及其性能

为了改善钛合金种植体在体液中的腐蚀及摩擦腐蚀行为,延长其在人体环境中的服役时间,在微弧氧化 (MAO)膜层上采用溶胶凝胶(Sol-gel)法于羟基磷灰石(HA)和氧化石墨烯(GO)的混合溶胶中浸渍提拉成膜,从而在 Ti6Al4V 合金表面成功地制备了 GO/ HA/ MAO 复合膜层。 结果表明,MAO 膜层表面的微孔及微球被 GO/ HA 薄膜有效的覆盖且较为致密;膜层的物相组成主要为金红石相及锐钛矿相的 TiO₂、HA、SiO₂ 和GO;根据电化学腐蚀和摩擦腐蚀结果分析知,GO/ HA/ MAO 复合膜层在模拟体液(SBF)中的耐蚀性及耐摩擦腐蚀性相比于 MAO 膜层和 Ti6Al4V 基体均得到了显著提高。     

Corrosion and tribocorrosion behaviour of thermally sprayed ceramic coatings on steel

This research aims at investigating the corrosion and tribocorrosion behaviour of thermally sprayed ceramic coatings deposited on steel specimens and exposed to a 3.5% NaCl solution. The coatings have been prepared by plasma spraying Cr₂O₃ and Al₂O₃/13% TiO₂ powders on a Ni/20% Cr bond coating. Combined wear-corrosion conditions have been achieved by sliding an alumina antagonist on the lateral surface of coated steel cylinders, during their exposure to the aggressive solution.Polarization resistance values monitored during 3 days exposures and polarization curves recorded at the end of the immersion period show that both coatings only partially protect steel substrate from corrosion. Sliding conditions (under 2 N load and 20 rpm or 10 N and 100 rpm) induce a limited increase of the substrate corrosion rates, likely as a consequence of an increase in the defect population of the ceramic coatings.On Cr₂O₃-coated specimens, tribocorrosion is more severe at 10 N and 100 rpm, while on Al₂O₃/13% TiO₂-coated specimens, a stronger corrosion attack is achieved at 2 N and 20 rpm. Profilometer analysis and wear track observations by optical and scanning electron microscopes evidence that on both coatings abrasion of the surface asperities produce both a surface polishing effect and, at high loads, the formation of a tribofilm, more continuous on Al₂O₃/13% TiO₂. On this coating the tribofilm reduces the amount of surface defects and limits the corrosion attack to a certain extent.     

Corrosion behaviors of hydroxyapatite coated by electrodeposition method of Ti6Al4V, Ti and AISI 316L SS substrates

Electrodeposition method was used to obtain hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings on Ti6Al4V, Ti and AISI 316L SS substrates. Electrodeposition solution is prepared as Ca(NO₃)₂ · 4H₂O and (NH₄)H₂PO₄. Additionally, three different pretreatment surface operations (PTSO) (HNO₃, anodic polarization, baseacid) were applied to the substrates. Surface morphology of HAP coated substrates were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD. HAP coatings were successfully deposited on Ti6Al4V, AISI 316L SS and Ti substrates Corrosion behavior of uncoated and HAP coated substrates were examined in the Ringer and 0.9% NaCl solutions. The XRD, SEM-EDS results supported that HAP formation on the substrates. i _cor values for all three HAP coated substrates are higher than uncoated substrates This showed that, electrochemical deposition HAP coating could not prevent the corrosion. The lowest corrosion rates were founded HNO₃ PTSO substrates.     

In vitro electrochemical evaluation and phase purity of natural hydroxyapatite coating on medical grade 316L stainless steel

Natural hydroxyapatite (HA) has been electrophoretically deposited on the surface of medical grade 316L stainless steel (SS). Deposition was performed at various applied voltages of 30, 60, and 90 V for 3 min. After deposition the samples were dried at room temperature and sintered in a vacuum furnace (10⁻⁴–10⁻⁵ Torr) at 800 ^°C for 1 h. In vitro electrochemical studies were performed in the Hank's solution. The results showed that corrosion potential and breakdown potential of the coated samples shifted toward nobler potential compared with the uncoated 316L SS. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy investigations revealed a higher polarization resistance, total impedance, and lower capacitance values for the coated samples compared to the bare one which indicated the improvement of corrosion resistance of the coated samples. The surface morphology of the samples was studied by a scanning electron microscope, and also phase purity and crystallinity of the coating material were investigated by X-ray diffraction. Deposition at 60 V for 3 min was found to be an optimum coating condition which led to the uniform, continuous, and crack-free coatings. The crystallinity of the coating materials was measured to be high, and quantitative analysis of the coatings after sintering showed some partial decomposition of natural HA to tricalcium phosphate.     

Corrosion behavior of TiN coated type 316 stainless steel in simulated PEMFC environments

The corrosion behavior of TiN coated type 316 stainless steel (SS) was investigated in simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cell environments, i.e. 0.01 M HCl + 0.01 M Na₂SO₄ solutions bubbled with pure oxygen and hydrogen gases, respectively, by using electrochemical measurement techniques. 316SS substrate can passivate spontaneously in simulated cathode environment, while it is in active state at the corrosion potential in simulated anode environment. TiN coatings have much better corrosion resistance and passivity under both simulated conditions. No significant degradation takes place in TiN coatings under the typical load conditions of fuel cell for 4 h. The loss of small part of coatings occurs during the immersion tests of TiN coatings in the oxygen environment for 1000 h and in the hydrogen environment for 240 h, respectively, but the exposed substrate areas are passivated in both environments. The results reveal that TiN coating can offer 316SS higher corrosion resistance and electric conductivity, and that further effort to improve the coating quality and to evaluate the long-term stability of 316SS/TiN coating systems under simulated conditions are deserved. In addition, the characteristics of corrosion process for TiN coatings on passivatable substrate were discussed in detail.     

Preparation and characterisation of electrophoretically deposited hydroxyapatite coatings on type 316L stainless steel

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings were developed on type 316L stainless steel (SS) by electrophoretic deposition at various deposition potentials from 30 to 90 V using the stoichiometric HAP (Ca/P ratio 1.67) powder in a suspension of isopropyl alcohol. The optimum coating parameters were established at 60 V and 3 min, after vacuum sintering at 800 °C. The phase purity of the coated surface was confirmed by XRD and secondary ion mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of both Ca and P on the coated layers. The electrochemical corrosion parameters E_corr (open circuit potential) and pitting potentials, evaluated in Hank’s solution shifted towards noble direction for the HAP coated specimens in comparison with uncoated type 316L SS. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic investigations revealed higher polarisation resistance and lower capacitance values after immersing the coated specimens in Hanks solution for 200 h. This indicates the stable nature of the coatings formed.     

Influence of Bond Coats on the Microstructure and Mechanical Behaviors of HVOF-Deposited TiAlNb Coatings

Hot dip galvanizing has been extensively employed for corrosion protection of steel structures. However, during the process of galvanization, the corrosion in molten zinc brings many problems to galvanization industry. In this study, as a material of corrosion resistance to molten zinc intended for application in Hot-dip galvanization, HVOF Ti_28.15Al_63.4Nb_8.25Y (at.%) coatings with different bond coats (NiCr5Al, NiCoCrAlY, CoCrAlYTaSi, and NiCr80/20) were deposited onto 316L stainless steel substrate, respectively. The influences of different bond coats on HVOF Ti_28.15Al_63.4Nb_8.25Y coatings were investigated. The results showed that bond coat had an obvious influence on improving the mechanical properties of HVOF Ti_28.15Al_63.4Nb_8.25Y coatings. HVOF Ti_28.15Al_63.4Nb_8.25Y coatings with NiCoCrAlY bond coat displayed the best mechanical properties. However, bond coats had no obvious effects on the microstructure, porosity, and hardness of HVOF Ti_28.15Al_63.4Nb_8.25Y top coatings. The effects of as-received powder morphology and grain size on the characteristics of coatings were also discussed.     

Al2O3–TiO2 composite coatings with enhanced anticorrosion properties for 316L stainless steel

316L stainless steel is used as an important structural material in various industries. However, its service life is limited in the presence of chloride ions due to severe chemical corrosion. Herein, a facile radiofrequency magnetron sputtering process is reported for the synthesis of various Al₂O₃–TiO₂ composite coatings as an anticorrosion layer for 316L stainless steel substrates. The enhanced chemical stability of Al₂O₃–TiO₂ composite coatings was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and X-ray diffraction measurements. Moreover, the high specific surface area of Al₂O₃–TiO₂ composite coatings displayed better hydrophobic property which can be confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. Finally, the direct characterization of anticorrosion properties was carried out using electrochemical tests. All of the above results exhibited the enhanced anticorrosion properties of Al₂O₃ coating after the incorporation of TiO₂. Significantly, the Al₂O₃–TiO₂ composite coatings with 15.56% Ti content provided the best corrosion resistance for 316L stainless steel.     

Characterization of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite/TiO2 composite coatings

To enhance the bonding between hydroxyapatite (HA) coating and titanium alloy substrate, HA/TiO₂ composite coatings have been fabricatedvia plasma spraying. Bonding strength evaluation, simulated body fluid tests, and cell culturein vitro were carried out to characterize the composite coatings. The results obtained showed that the addition of TiO₂ to HA coating improved the bonding strength of the coating significantly. After being immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for a period, the surfaces of HA/TiO₂ composite coatings were completely covered by carbonate-containing apatite, which indicated that the coatings possess good bioactivity. Thein vitro cell culture indicated good cytocompatibility for HA/TiO₂ composite coatings.     

Corrosion of type 316L stainless steel in molten LiCl–KCl salt

Pyrochemical reprocessing in molten chloride salt medium has been considered as one of the best options for the reprocessing of spent metallic fuels. The AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) is envisaged as a candidate material for the fabrication of components for various unit operations like salt preparation vessel, electro‐refiner and cathode processor, on which ceramic coatings with metallic bond coat will be applied by the thermal plasma spraying. The unit operation like electro‐refining is carried out in the molten lithium chloride–potassium chloride (LiCl–KCl) eutectic salt at 773 K in argon atmosphere. The corrosion behaviour of the container vessel in molten chloride salts is therefore important, hence corrosion tests were carried out in a molten salt test assembly under argon gas atmosphere. The present paper discusses the corrosion behaviour of 316L SS in the molten LiCl–KCl eutectic salt at 873 K. The 316L SS samples were immersed in the molten LiCl–KCl eutectic for 25, 100 and 250 h, while 316L SS with yttria stabilized zirconia coating was exposed for 1000 h. The exposed samples were examined by optical and scanning electron microscope for corrosion attack. The X‐ray mappings of the cross‐section of the degraded layer onto the 316L SS indicated that the mechanism of corrosion corresponds to the selective diffusion of Cr to the surface with the formation of voids below, and the formation of chromium compounds at the surface. The results of the present study indicated that the yttria stabilized zirconia coating onto the 316L SS exhibits a better corrosion resistance in molten chloride salt than with uncoated 316L SS.     

The examination of corrosion behaviors of hap coated Ti implant materials and 316L SS by sol-gel method

In this research, hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings have been produced on Ti, Ti6Al4V alloy and 316L stainless steel substrates by sol-gel method. (NH₄) · H₂PO₄ is taken as P precursor and Ca(NO₃)₂ · 4H₂O is taken as Ca precursor to obtain HAP coating. Additionally, three different pretreatment processes (HNO₃, anodic polarization, base-acide (BA)) have been applied to Ti, Ti6Al4V alloy and 316L stainless steel substrates. The corrosion behaviors of bare and HAP coated samples are examined in Ringer and 0.9% NaCl. HAP coated Ti have showed over 87.85% inhibition. HAP coated Ti6Al4V alloys have showed over 87.33% inhibition. In Ringer solution, 99.24% inhibition has been showed in HAP coated anodic pretreatment for 316L stainless steel. All pretreatment processes are effective on clinging of HAP coating to the surface. It is seen that impedance values have increased in HAP coatings (Ti and Ti6Al4V). HAP coatings have raised the corrosion resistance of Ti and Ti6Al4V. The values of polarization resistance in HAP coated samples have increased for 316L stainless steel in 0.9% NaCl and Ringer solutions. It is seen in SEM images that open pores and attachments among pores have been observed in the coating, which increases osteointegration. It is noted in EDX analyses of the surfaces of the HAP coated samples that there is only Ca, O, and P on the surface. Ca/P ratio varies in 1.84–2.00 ranges. As Ca/P ratio increases, the inhibition increases too. It is seen in XRD images of HAP powder that there are HA ate structures. Additionally, it is seen in FTIR analysis, characteristic HA absorption bands have occurred in sintered powders.     

HVOF-Sprayed Nano TiO2-HA Coatings Exhibiting Enhanced Biocompatibility

Biomedical thermal spray coatings produced via high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) from nanostructured titania (n-TiO₂) and 10 wt.% hydroxyapatite (HA) (n-TiO₂-10wt.%HA) powders have been engineered as possible future alternatives to HA coatings deposited via air plasma spray (APS). This approach was chosen due to (i) the stability of TiO₂ in the human body (i.e., no dissolution) and (ii) bond strength values on Ti-6Al-4V substrates more than two times higher than those of APS HA coatings. To explore the bioperformance of these novel materials and coatings, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured from 1 to 21 days on the surface of HVOF-sprayed n-TiO₂ and n-TiO₂-10 wt.%HA coatings. APS HA coatings and uncoated Ti-6Al-4V substrates were employed as controls. The profiles of the hMSCs were evaluated for (i) cellular proliferation, (ii) biochemical analysis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, (iii) cytoskeleton organization (fluorescent/confocal microscopy), and (iv) cell/substrate interaction via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The biochemical analysis indicated that the hMSCs cultured on n-TiO₂-10 wt.%HA coatings exhibited superior levels of bioactivity than hMSCs cultured on APS HA and pure n-TiO₂ coatings. The cytoskeleton organization demonstrated a higher degree of cellular proliferation on the HVOF-sprayed n-TiO₂-10wt.%HA coatings when compared to the control coatings. These results are considered promising for engineering improved performance in the next generation of thermally sprayed biomedical coatings.     

Bioactive glass nanopowder and bioglass coating for biocompatibility improvement of metallic implant

Preparation and characterization of bioactive glass nanopowder and development of bioglass coating for biocompatibility improvement of 316L stainless steel (SS) implant was the aim of this work. Bioactive glass nanopowder was made by sol–gel technique and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique was utilized to evaluate the powders shape and size. The prepared bioactive glass nanopowder was immersed in the simulated body fluid (SBF) solution at 37 °C for 30 days. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to recognize and confirm the formation of apatite layer on the prepared bioactive glass nanopowder. Bioactive glass coating was performed on SS substrate by sol–gel technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) techniques were used to investigate the microstructure and morphology of the coating. Electrochemical polarization tests were performed in physiological solutions at 37 °C in order to determine and compare the corrosion behavior of the coated and uncoated SS specimens. Cyclic polarization tests were performed in order to compare the pitting corrosion resistance of the coated and uncoated SS specimens. The results showed that the size of bioactive glass powder was less than 100 nm. The formation of apatite layer confirmed the bioactivity of bioglass nanopowder. Bioactive glass coating could improve the corrosion resistance of 316L SS substrate. Bioactive glass coated 316L SS showed more pitting corrosion resistance in compare with pristine samples. It was concluded that by using the bioactive glass coated 316L SS as a human body implant, improvement of corrosion resistance as an indication of biocompatibility and bone bonding could be obtained simultaneously.     

Electrosynthesis of Poly(ortho-phenetidine) Coatings on Steel and Investigation of Their Corrosion Protection Properties

Poly(ortho-phenetidine) coatings on 304 stainless steel (304 SS) surface have been synthesized by using the galvanostatic technique. The electrosynthesized coatings were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible absorption spectrometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The anticorrosion performances of poly(ortho-phenetidine) coatings were examined in 0.1 M HCl medium by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization technique. The corrosion rate of poly(ortho-phenetidine)-coated 304 SS was found ~10 times lower than bare 304 SS and corrosion potential increased from –0.29 V for uncoated 304 SS to –0.19 V versus Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl) for poly(ortho-phenetidine)-coated 304 SS electrode. Electrochemical measurements indicate that poly(ortho-phenetidine) coating has good inhibiting properties with an efficiency of ~93% at 1.5 mA cm^–2 applied current density in acidic corrosive media. The results of this study obviously ascertain that the poly(ortho-phenetidine) has an outstanding potential to protect 304 SS against corrosion in an acidic environment.     

Hot Corrosion Behavior of HVOF Sprayed Coatings on ASTM SA213-T11 Steel

Cr₃C₂-NiCr, NiCr, WC-Co and Stellite-6 alloy coatings were sprayed on ASTM SA213-T11 steel using the HVOF process. Liquid petroleum gas was used as the fuel gas. Hot corrosion studies were conducted on the uncoated as well as HVOF sprayed specimens after exposure to molten salt at 900 °C under cyclic conditions. The thermo-gravimetric technique was used to establish the kinetics of corrosion. XRD, SEM/EDAX and EPMA techniques were used to analyze the corrosion products. All these overlay coatings showed a better resistance to hot corrosion as compared to that of uncoated steel. NiCr Coating was found to be most protective followed by the Cr₃C₂-NiCr coating. WC-Co coating was least effective to protect the substrate steel. It is concluded that the formation of Cr₂O_3, NiO, NiCr₂O₄, and CoO in the coatings may contribute to the development of a better hot-corrosion resistance. The uncoated steel suffered corrosion in the form of intense spalling and peeling of the scale, which may be due to the formation of unprotective Fe₂O₃ oxide scale.     

Fabrication and Characterization of Suspension Plasma-Sprayed Fluoridated Hydroxyapatite Coatings for Biomedical Applications

Fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FHA) coatings were prepared on a Ti substrate using a suspension plasma spraying technique. The crystalline phases and chemical compositions of the coatings were characterized using x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The analysis confirmed that the coating consisted of an FHA phase. The corrosion behavior in simulated body fluid was studied using potentiodynamic polarization tests, and the results indicated that the FHA coating greatly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the Ti substrate. The chemical stability of the FHA coatings was assessed by evaluating the release of Ca²⁺ ions. The results indicated that the substitution of fluorine into the hydroxyapatite (HA) structure had a positive effect on the dissolution resistance of the HA. The antibacterial activity was investigated using a surface-plating method; the results revealed that the antibacterial activity of the FHA coating was greater than that of the pure HA coatings. During cell culture tests, the FHA coating did not exhibit cytotoxicity toward the osteoblast cell line, and the cell proliferation was comparable with that of the HA coatings. The antibacterial activity and cell culture results suggested that the plasma-sprayed FHA coating possesses good antibacterial qualities, but is biocompatible with osteoblasts. The promising features of the FHA coating render it suitable for orthopedic and dental applications.