Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study on silver coated metallic implants

This work presents the preparation of nano-structured silver coatings on TiAl6V4 and CoCrMo alloys by a pulse current technique and the study of time dependent electrochemical behaviour of silver coated metallic implants. EIS data as a function of immersion time in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution have been obtained to clarify the electrochemical processes occurring in the system. During early stage immersion (1–2 days), the impedance response shows near capacitive behaviour. As the time passes, the electrolyte gradually penetrates the silver coating and the sandblasted metallic implants. The silver comes into contact with the electrolyte and the conditions for galvanic corrosion are fulfilled. Due to the potential difference between silver coating and the metallic alloy, discrete anodic and cathodic areas are formed, which result in the release of silver, since the silver acts as an anode in galvanic cells. The cathode process is the reduction of the dissolved oxygen at the surface of the substrate. For antimicrobial applications of nanosilver coated TiAl6V4 and CoCrMo alloys, it is very important to maintain the continuous release silver ions. Degradation of silver coatings have been traced and confirmed by different methods such as SEM micrographs, EDX analysis, EIS measurements and solution analysis by ICP-MS methods.