Laser Shock Processing as an Advanced Technique for the Surface and Mechanical Resistance Properties Modification of Bioabsorbable Magnesium Alloys

Abstract

Laser shock processing (LSP) is increasingly applied as an effective technology for the improvement of metallic materials’ mechanical and surface properties in different types of components, mostly as a means of enhancement of their fatigue life behavior. As reported in previous contributions by the authors, a main effect resulting from the application of the LSP technique consists in the generation of relatively deep compression residual stresses fields into metallic components allowing an improved mechanical behaviour. On the other hand, Mg and its alloys have gained increasing relevance as natural biomaterials as their mechanical properties are in the same range as those corresponding to natural bone as well as due to their inherent bioabsorbable properties. In the present paper, the application of the LSP technology to biocompatible bioabsorbable Mg alloys suitable for chirurgical implementation is envisaged, the experimental verification of the residual stresses fields induced and the experimental characterization of the surface properties introduced by means of the treatment being specifically considered.