Improved bio-tribology of biomedical alloys by ion implantation techniques

Abstract

Surface modification of biomaterials by conventional ion implantation (II) and plasma immersion ion implantation (PI3) are innovative methods to improve the biocompatibility of these advanced materials. This paper describes the biocompatibility improvements of Ti6Al4V and Co28Cr6Mo implanted with N and O in a conventional implantation and a plasma immersion ion implantation processes. Tribo-corrosion friction and wear tests were performed in a realistic environment – in Hank’s solution – to investigate the introduced modifications. The wear performance was only slightly improved due to a thin layer thickness, whereas, in contrast, the corrosion rate was significantly reduced.