Product Code: ICAL06_1509

Laser Surface Modification of NiTi with Mo and Zr
Authors:
HC Man, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Hong Kong
Ng Ka Wai, Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Hong Kong
TM Yue, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Hong Kong
Presented at ICALEO 2006

Because of its biocompatibility, superelasticity and shape memory characteristics, NiTi alloys have been gaining immerse interest in the medical field. Applications such as stent and other implant devices have been widely accepted in the industry. However, there are still concerns on the wear resistance of this alloy if it is going to be implanted for a long time. Debris from wear and the subsequent release of Ni+ ions into the body system are fetal issues for the long term application of this alloy in the human body. This paper reports the result of laser surface modification of NiTi with Mo and Zr. The aims of the modification are to improve the hardness and wear resistance of NiTi. Significant increases in hardness and wear resistance were recorded in the modified layer. Corrosion resistance experiments were also carried out to investigate the change in corrosion properties.