Effect of electro-discharging on formation of biocompatible layer on implant surface

This investigation elucidates the biocompatibility and microstructural variation of Fe–Al–Mn and electro-discharged Fe–Al–Mn alloys. A recast layer was formed on the alloy surface, following electro-discharged machining. γ-Phase and Fe0.6Mn5.4C2 carbide (κ-carbide) were formed on the recast layer following electro-discharging. The γ-phase and κ-carbide are nanostructures. The nano-(γ-phase + κ-carbide) has important roles in forming nanostructured oxide layer. Furthermore, electro-discharging not only generates a nanostructural recast layer, but also converts the alloy surface into a nanostructured oxide surface, increasing the alloy biocompatibility.