Hydrophilic property of 316L stainless steel after treatment by atmospheric pressure corona streamer plasma using surface-sensitive analyses

► Surface hydrophilic property of surgical-grade 316L stainless steel was enhanced by Ar-O2 corona streamer plasma treatment. ► Hydrophilicity, surface morphology, roughness, and chemical composition before and after plasma treatment were evaluated. ► Contact angle measurements and surface-sensitive analyses techniques, including XPS and AFM, were carried out. ► Optimum plasma treatment conditions of the SS 316L surface were determined.