Surface modification of 316L SS with HAp nano-particles using PMEDM for enhanced Biocompatibility

Biomaterials had been comprehensively studied for many decades. The main focus was to coat a bioactive film on substrate that enhances its wear resistance, corrosion resistance, life span, cell growth, etc. In our present work, powder mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM) was employed on 316L stainless steel well known biomaterial for hip and knee replacement to modify the surface using Hydroxyapatite nano-powder mixed dielectric medium. Indigenously developed setup with pump and stirrer for proper circulation of powder during experimentation was used. The momentous parameters enhancing MER (max. 19.01 mg/min.) were current, pulse-on-time along with the addition of HAp nano-powder in the dielectric fluid. Addition of HAp also improves surface finish (0.340 mu m) of machined surface. SEM analysis revealed the porosity and presence of powder particles on machined surface while formation of intermetallic compounds and bioactive compounds on machined surface validated using XRD technique. The results confirmed that the modified surface with HAp nano-particles offered better biocompatible properties. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.