Corrosion and wear properties of laser surface modified NiTi with Mo and ZrO₂

Because of its biocompatibility, superelasticity and shape memory characteristics, NiTi alloys have been gaining immense interest in the medical field. However, there is still concern on the corrosion resistance of this alloy if it is going to be implanted in the human body for a long time. Titanium is not toxic but nickel is carcinogenic and is implicated in various reactions including allergic response and degeneration of muscle tissue. Debris from wear and the subsequent release of Ni+ ions due to corrosion in the body system are fatal issues for long-term application of this alloy in the human body. This paper reports the corrosion and wear properties of laser surface modified NiTi using Mo and ZrO2 as surface alloying elements, respectively. The modified layers which are free from microcracks and porosity, act as both physical barrier to nickel release and enhance the bulk properties, such as hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. The electrochemical performance of the surface modified alloy was studied in Hanks' solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was measured.