AMORPHOUS-CARBON BIOMATERIAL FOR IMPLANT COATINGS

Thin, hard amorphous carbon (a-C) layers were the object of investigat ions, in particular the microstructure of the layer in the carbon laye r-steel substrate system with the aim of optimization Of the synthesis and applicability of this new system for medical implants. The result s of Auger electron spectroscopy studies show that the composition of the layer is complex. It consists of carbon and a transitional layer c ontaining both carbides and carbon regions. The structure of the coati ngs ensures a high mechanical strength and very good adhesion to steel . The studies were aimed at investigations of the biological resistanc e of implants in the oral cavity. Human saliva is an aqueous solution of salts (organic compounds) and contains small amounts of organic sub stances and gases. The results of the investigations have shown very g ood resistance of a-C to elements of the oral cavity environment.