| Several studies on NiTi, relating to the potential leaching of Ni into the human body by the corrosion processes, put into question the biocompatibility of such alloys.; The goal of our study was to develop a surface treatment in order to improve the biocompatibility of NiTi osteosynthesis staples, and thereby to enhance their reliability as human implants.; Plasma polymerized tetrafluoroethylene (PPTFE) coatings and laser surface melting appeared in previous studies to be very promising treatments. Indeed, they had been shown to improve the corrosion behavior of other alloys. Their effects were moreover restricted to the surface, and they should not modify the bulk shape memory behavior of the staples.; We have evaluated these surface treatments using corrosion tests (potentiodynamic and potentiostatic tests, and AC impedance). The samples were also subjected to microscopic characterization (optical microscope, SEM, Auger electron, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies). Finally, biocompatibility was evaluated by performing cytocompatibility tests (fibroblast proliferation tests). (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
