High Repetition Laser Shock Peening on Magnesium Based Biodegradable Alloys

Abstract

New generation of metallic implants through capability of absorption within biological environment has been introduced in recent researches. Although, magnesium implant with proper biocompatibility has been proposed as biodegradable metallic implant, its insufficient mechanical attributes must be enhanced for implantation within human body. Laser shock peening has been successfully conducted for modification of magnesium implant. Overall, laser shock peening can be performed by low repetition rate (less than 30 Hz) and high power pulsed laser which needs expensive devices. In order to laser shock peen magnesium alloys that have a lower mechanical strength, it is better to use high repetition pulsed laser which is much faster and economical. Recently, high repetition rate laser shock peening of magnesium has been theoretically found feasible in previous research of authors. In order to validate occurrence of high repetition rate laser shock peening, changes in surface topography and hardness are evaluated on the magnesium specimens