Electro-assisted integration of nanodiamonds into conducting polypyrrole for functional coatings

This work presents a novel method for electrically integrating functionalized nanodiamonds (NDs) into smart conducting polymer polypyrrole (PPy) coatings on highly active FeMnC alloy surfaces for stent applications. The optimized electrodeposition process produces stable PPy-ND coatings with tunable compositions using passivating sodium salicylate and chemically functionalized NDs. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses confirm the successful integration of NDs into the polymer matrix. Concurrently, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals distinct morphological features influenced by deposition parameters. The coatings exhibit tunable corrosion properties in preliminary studies, highlighting their relevance for degradable metallic implant applications. This innovative method facilitates the development of multifunctional coatings, providing a versatile platform for advanced bio-interfaces in medical implants. The study shows the feasibility of combining conducting polymers with nanomaterials to enhance surface functionality and tackle critical challenges in implantable device technologies.