Improving biotribological properties and corrosion resistance of CoCrMo alloy via a Cr-GLC nanocomposite film in simulated body fluids

• Published in: Surface & coatings technology 2019-11, Vol.378, p.124840, Article 124840
• Main Authors: Xiang, D.D., Sui, X.D., Tan, X.P., Hao, J.Y., Wang, Z.W., Liao, Z.H., Liu, W.Q., Tor, S.B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alloys; Biomedical materials; Biotribological properties; Body fluids; Carbon; Cobalt base alloys; CoCrMo; Corrosion; Corrosion resistance; Corrosion resistant alloys; Corrosive wear; Cr-GLC; In vitro methods and tests; Mechanical properties; Nanocomposite film; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Organic chemistry; Substrates; Surgical implants; Wettability
• ISSN: 0257-8972; 1879-3347
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2019.07.064

CoCrMo alloy is one of the leading joint replacement biomaterials. However, the wear and corrosion of CoCrMo alloys may release metal ions into the physiological environment and cause failure of the joint implant surgery. In this work, a Cr-doping graphite-like carbon (Cr-GLC) nanocomposite film is coated on the wrought CoCrMo alloy to improve its biotribological properties and corrosion resistance, which can prolong the implant lifespan. Experimental results show that the CoCrMo alloy coated with the Cr-GLC nanocomposite film exhibits a nanocrystalline/amorphous microstructure, which owns excellent mechanical properties and wettability. Moreover, its biotribological properties are found to be 5 times better than those of CoCrMo substrates, due to high hardness of amorphous carbon film and strengthening of Cr7C3 nanoparticles and the corrosion resistance is also improved with two orders of magnitude in the simulated body fluid condition, due to chemical inertness of Cr-GLC nanocomposite films. Thus, it is suggested that CoCrMo alloy coated by the Cr-GLC nanocomposite film is a good candidate for joint replacement applications. •Biotribological properties and corrosion resistance of a Cr-GLC film were studied.•The Cr-GLC film has high hardness and strong adhesion force.•Wear resistance of CoCrMo in NCS solution was improved by 5 times.•Corrosion resistance of CoCrMo was improved by two orders of magnitude.•CoCrMo coated by Cr-GLC film is a good candidate for joint replacement applications.