Electrochemical deposition of HAP/f-MWCNTs and HAP/GO composite layers on 316L SS implant with excellent corrosion resistance performance

•The incorporation of GO and f-MWCNTs on HAP exhibits more corrosion resistive in SBF.•The hardness of the coatings with GO and f-MWCNTs revealed enhanced strength.•Hydrophilicity of the coated implant surface allows the formation of apatite layer.•The attachment of HAP on chemically modified f-MWCNTs and GO are proved by HR-TEM. Bioceramic composite coatings were deposited on surgical grade 316L stainless steel substrate via in-situ electrolytic method by supplying the voltage of −1.5 V for 30 mins using three electrode arrangements. Formations of pure HAP/GO and HAP/f-MWCNTs composite films were developed and the structure of hydroxyapatite was retained even with incorporation of secondary materials into its matrix. Homogeneously dispersed dense coating was observed for the electrochemically derived HAP composite films on 316L SS. The attachment of GO and f-MWCNTs with hydroxyapatite particles were observed using high resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM). In-vitro corrosion studies of the fabricated bioceramic composite coatings showed better corrosion protection against the simulated body fluid. Apatite mineralization formed at faster rate for the prepared bioceramic composite films; further which it enhance their bone bonding ability. These results concluded that the electrochemical deposition of bioceramic coatings on implant may be treated as an effective method for orthopedic repair and replacements.