Preparation, biocompatibility and wear resistance of microstructured Zr and ZrO2 alloyed layers on 316L stainless steel

The surface properties of implanted materials play critical roles in clinical application. An ideal biomaterial is required to possess both excellent biocompatibility and appropriate load-bearing capacity. To this end, microstructured zirconium (Zr) and ZrO2 alloyed layers were prepared on 316L stainless steel (316L SS). Firstly, a Zr alloyed layer was prepared on 316L SS by using plasma surface alloying technique. And then, a ZrO2 alloyed layer was obtained on the Zr alloyed layer after annealing at 850 °C for 3 h. The microstructure, biocompatibility and wear resistance of the surface alloyed layers were investigated.