DLC films for stent applications

DLC and Metal/DLC nanocomposites coatings deposited by means of Pulsed laser Deposition/PLD/ technique, using high power UV Nitrogen laser are described. The DLC and M/DLC nanocomposite coatings are deposited on substrates - stents made from 316L SS material and NITINOL (NiTi) alloy. The tests and analysis of the morphology-, structure-, physical-, mechanical- electrochemical- and chemical parameters are presented: SEM pictures for morphology of the surface; XRD analysis for the structure; Raman spectroscopy for characterization of the DLC films, IR spectroscopy and comparative corrosion analysis. Chemical material analysis of the substrates has been performed by EDAX (Energy Dispersive X-ray microanalysis). The thickness of the deposited DLC films ranges between 80 – 120 nm, measured by interferometric method.