This paper deals with the investigation of complex corrosion properties of 3D printed AISI 316L steel and the influence of additional heat treatment on the resulting corrosion and mechanical parameters. There was an isotonic solution used for the simulation of the human body and a diluted sulfuric acid solution for the study of intergranular corrosion damage of the tested samples. There were significant microstructural changes found for each type of heat treatment at 650 and 1050 °C, which resulted in different corrosion properties of the tested samples. There were changes of corrosion potential, corrosion rate and polarization resistance found by the potentiodynamic polarization method. With regard to these results, the most appropriate heat treatment can be applied to applications with intended use in medicine.

Herein, we analyzed the morphology of atmospheric plasma-sprayed (APS) coating on medical 316L stainless steel and its influence on the physical and electrochemical properties of implant application. Fivetypes of coatings were examined: hydroxyapatite (HAp), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), Ti/HAp and Zr/HAp. The base properties of the coatings were analyzed via chemical and phase composition, surface topography, surface wettability and in particular the corrosion resistance in Ringer solution in immersed conditions and potentiodynamic test, and EIS analysis. APS coating of pure HAp on 316L stainless steel showed poor cohesive bonding to the substrate material, whereas the application of Ti and Zr interlayer prior to HAp deposition improved surface morphology and coating properties. The beneficial effect of Ti and Zr interlayer under HAp layer on binding was demonstrated. HAp containing coatings (HAp, Ti/HAp and Zr/HAp) show Ca/P ratio greater than 1.8, which may positively influence the differentiation of osteogenic cells and good adhesion to bones. Among the studied materials, the composite coatings with Zr or Zr/HAp showed favorable physicochemical properties and the highest corrosion resistance in Ringer solution.