Abstract
Metallic biomaterials are considered safe materials for the fabrication of orthopedic prostheses due to their mechanical stability. Among this group, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys are commonly used. Nevertheless, adverse reactions on tissues caused by the liberation of metallic ions are a limitation. Therefore, the modification of biometallic material surfaces has become a topic of interest, especially the improvement of the wear resistance to retard the degradation of the surface. In this work, dimples obtained at different processing parameters by an ns-pulse laser were texturized on an ASTM F-1537 cobalt alloy. Surfaces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The mechanical integrity of the surface was evaluated using a 3D surface analyzer and Vickers indentation tests. The tribological response was studied employing a ball-on-disc tribometer under lubricated conditions tracking the coefficient of friction, volume loss, wear rate, and surface damage by SEM. The variation of the laser power, repetition rate, and process repetitions slightly modified the chemistry of the surface (oxides formation). In addition, the rugosity of the zone treated by the laser increased. The texturized samples decreased the wear rate of the surface in comparison with the untreated samples, which was related to the variation of the dimple diameter and dimple depth.
Highlights
Biomaterials engineering is a discipline that associates medical knowledge and engineering science to increase life expectancy
The damage suffered by a metallic biomaterial in contact with a biological medium causes the deterioration of its physical properties [2]
The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphological, chemical, and tribological changes produced by an ns-pulse fiber laser on the surface of an ASTM F-1537 cobalt alloy when the repetition rate, laser power, and process repetitions are variable
Summary
Biomaterials engineering is a discipline that associates medical knowledge and engineering science to increase life expectancy. The fabrication of joint replacement prosthesis is part of this discipline, where metals such as ASTM F-1537 cobalt alloys are commonly used due to their good mechanical properties [1]. The damage suffered by a metallic biomaterial in contact with a biological medium causes the deterioration of its physical properties [2]. Laser surface texturing (LST) has excelled in improving the tribological properties of biomedical alloys through reducing friction coefficients and improving load-carrying capacity [4]. Dimples resulting from LST act as lubricant reservoirs and are used as micro-hydrodynamic bearings [5,6]. Dimples serve as traps for wear debris [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
