Effect of annealing on the mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of CoCrMo alloy with tantalum coating

Abstract

Cobalt–chromium–molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy is frequently utilized to replace artificial joints and dental components. Tantalum (Ta) coating is used to improve the osteogenic property of CoCrMo alloy. Annealing treatment can increase the Ta coating adhesion and further improve wear resistance and biocompatibility. In this study, two kinds of thicknesses of Ta coatings were applied on CoCrMo alloy substrates via magnetron sputtering technology. The average thicknesses of the Ta coatings were 4.3 and 9.5 μm. The Ta coatings were annealed for 5 h at 800 °C, 900 °C, and 1000 °C, respectively. Results indicated that heat treatment improved the adhesion of the coatings. The Ta coatings were composed of stable body-centered cubic phase (α-Ta) and metastable tetragonal phase (β-Ta). The Ta coating with a thickness of 4.3 μm exhibited excellent wear resistance after being annealed at 800 °C, with little variability in the friction curve and a low average coefficient of friction. The adhesive force of the two coated samples increased initially and subsequently dropped as the annealing temperature increased. At 900 °C, the Ta-coated samples exhibited the highest adhesive force; after being annealed, the rate of cell proliferation increased. At 900 °C, samples with Ta coatings exhibited the highest rate of cell multiplication and the best cell compatibility compared with the other samples. Ta coatings' adhesive force, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and cytocompatibility were all significantly enhanced at various annealing temperatures. Thus, the results of this work are a useful benchmark for the surface modification of metal implants used in medical procedures, and Ta coatings are a practical orthopedic material for the replacement of joints and bones.