SS316L/Al2O3 functionally graded material for potential biomedical applications

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics Vol. 293; p. 126958
• Main Authors: Canpolat, Özlem, Çanakçı, Aykut, Erdemir, Fatih
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.01.2023
• Subjects: Al2O3; Biomaterials; Functionally graded materials; Powder metallurgy; SS316L; Powder metallurgy; Functionally graded materials; Al2O3; SS316L; Biomaterials
• ISSN: 0254-0584; 1879-3312
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2022.126958

The performance of biomedical implants has become increasingly the focus of research in recent years. Functionally graded material (FGM) is promisingly effective in improving the performance of implants as they mimic bone structure.316L-FGM has been the subject of numerous biomaterials studies, but SS316L/Al2O3 has not yet been reported as FGM. In this work, we firstly report on the successful fabrication of SS316L/Al2O3 FGM using powder metallurgy technique for biomedical applications. The microstructure, corrosion resistance, and mechanical and bioactivity properties were investigated. The FGM layers consisted of 316L and three different composites containing 5, 10, and 15 wt % Al2O3. Experimental results revealed that FGM was successfully produced by the powder metallurgy technique without cracks and the hardness of the layers increased with the alumina content. Electrochemical test results showed that samples tested in Ringer's solution were more susceptible to pitting corrosion as compared to tested in Hank's solution. Apatite layer formation was observed in each sample after 7, 14, and 21 days of in vitro bioactivity tests. •316L/Al2O3 FGM was produced without cracks and voids.•The microhardness of the layers increased with the Al2O3 content.•Electrochemical measurements were carried out in the Ringer's and Hank's physiological solutions.•In vitro bioactivity tests were performed by immersing FGM in SBF for 7, 14, and 21 days.