Electrophoretic co-deposition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) reinforced alginate–Bioglass® composite coating on stainless steel: Mechanical properties and in-vitro bioactivity assessment

• PVA reinforced alginate–bioactive glass composite coating on stainless steel produced by EPD
• The co-deposition mechanism was experimentally confirmed.
• Homogeneous and compact coating microstructure obtained by the addition of PVA
• Improved adhesion strength of PVA reinforced coatings confirmed qualitatively and quantitatively
• Controlled degradation rate and rapid HA forming ability of PVA-containing coatings in SBF

PVA reinforced alginate–bioactive glass (BG) composite coatings were produced on stainless steel by a single step electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process. The present paper discusses the co-deposition mechanism of the three components and presents a summary of the relevant properties of the composite coatings deposited from suspensions with different PVA concentrations. Homogeneous composite coatings with compact microstructure and increased thickness, i.e. as high as 10 μm, were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface roughness of coatings with different PVA contents was slightly increased, while a significant increase of water contact angles due to PVA addition was detected and discussed. Improved adhesion strength of coatings containing different amounts of PVA was quantitatively and qualitatively confirmed by pull-off adhesion and cycled bending tests, respectively. In-vitro bioactivity tests were performed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 days, respectively. The decomposition rate of the coatings was reduced with PVA content, and rapid hydroxyapatite forming ability of the composite coatings in SBF was confirmed by FTIR and XRD analyses. According to the results of this study, composite alginate–Bioglass® bioactive coatings combined with PVA are proposed as promising candidates for dental and orthopedic applications.