Evaluation of the biotribological behavior and cytotoxicity of laser-textured ISO 5832-1 stainless steel for use in orthopedic implants

Abstract

This chapter evaluated the influence of laser texturing process on the tribological behavior of the ISO 5832-1 austenitic stainless steel (SS). The friction coefficient and wear were determined using ball-cratering wear tests. The laser texturing process was carried out with a nanosecond optical fiber ytterbium laser at four different pulse frequencies. Cytotoxicity tests were carried out to determine if laser texturing affects the biomaterial biocompatibility. For comparison reasons, pristine surfaces were also evaluated. The results indicated that the wear volume and friction coefficient were reduced after laser texturing. The samples were considered noncytotoxic according to the biocompatibility tests as the laser texturing process did not decrease cell’s viability.