Amorphous Alloys Containing Cobalt for Orthopaedic Applications

Published

November 1, 1998

Author(s)

John A. Tesk, C E. Johnson, Drago Skrtic, Ming S. Tung, Stephen M. Hsu

Abstract

Amorphous metal alloys have properties and structures unlike those of theircrystalline counterparts. For example, a multiphase crystalline structure may exhibit poor corrosion resistance while the amorphous structure is corrosion resistant. The high hardness of some amorphous alloys may make them useful for wear resistant applications. Cobalt-based, electrodeposited alloys may be particularly compatible for producing desirable surfaces on orthopaedic Co-Cr-Mo alloys. Amorphous Co-20P alloy (A-Co-20P) has an as-deposited Knoop hardness number (HK) of ca 620. The surface of anoidized A-Co-20P has been described elsewhere as predominately phosphorous oxide that may react with water to form an adsorbed hypophosphite layer. Others reported corrosion resistance without pitting. Hence, the potential of A-Co-20P for use as an implant coating to induce bony apposition was evaluated. This evaluation consisted of tests of corrosion resistance and solution chemistry. Another alloy, amorphous Co-Cr-C, was found to have an as-deposited HK of ca 690. Heat treatment produced Knoop hardness numbers (HKs) of ca 1350, between the HKs of zirconia and alumina. Wear and corrosion resistance are expected to be good, but adherence needs to be assessed.

Proceedings Title

Conference Handout for ASTM Special Symposium Cobalt-Base Alloys for Biomedical Applications, ASTM STP 1365

Volume

60

Conference Dates

November 3-4, 1998

Conference Location

Undefined

Conference Title

American Society for Testing and Materials

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

amorphous metals, bone conductive, bone induction, corrosion resistant coatings, glassy alloys, orthopaedic joint surface coatings, orthopaedic joint surfaces, wear resistant coatings, wear resistant implants

Citation

Tesk, J. , Johnson, C. , Skrtic, D. , Tung, M. and Hsu, S. (1998), Amorphous Alloys Containing Cobalt for Orthopaedic Applications, Conference Handout for ASTM Special Symposium Cobalt-Base Alloys for Biomedical Applications, ASTM STP 1365, Undefined, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=851420 (Accessed October 11, 2025)