Enhanced corrosion resistance of CoCrMo by laser-based surface modification

Biomedical grade cobalt–chromium–molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys are extensively used for load-bearing biomedical applications such as hip and knee implants due to their exceptional biocompatible and biomechanical properties. However, the strain-induced martensite ε-phase development during contact loading results in thin oxide layers that are prone to fracture leading to corrosion. The formation of thin oxide layers is undesirable for long-term deployment. We employed laser-texturing to enhance the corrosion resistance of the material in simulated body fluid by the formation of hcp ε-phase martensite and via the formation of oxide layers. However, partial formation of hcp ε-phase martensite was observed. By means of central composite design-based response surface methodology, three laser parameters such as average laser power, texture density and the number of passes were optimised for maximal open circuit potential, an indicator for minimal corrosion. The textured surfaces were found to assist in the cellular proliferation of fibroblasts and inhibit bacterial growth.