Investigation on the wear resistance of AISI 316L with micro dimples as a material for human implants’ structure

Over the past five decades, artificial hip joint materials, such as ceramic, titanium, and cobalt-chromium molybdenum alloy, with significantly improved wear resistance or biocompatibility have been developed and used in medical procedures. The application of AISI 316L, a first-generation artificial joint model, is limited due to its low wear resistance and corrosion resistance. However, AISI 316L is still used in medical procedures. Therefore, improving the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of AISI 316L has attracted research attention. This study aims to improve the wear resistance of AISI 316L for metal on metal (MoM) combination by applying surface texturing technology. Herein, surface work hardening and the generation of the prow of the AISI 316L material were controlled by the dimple effect, the width of the deep groove shown in the profile of the wear surface was reduced by 2 times compared to the surface without dimples.