Nanomechanical, tribological and electrochemical characterization of Co-Cr-Mo ternary alloys fabricated via spark plasma sintering

Abstract

This research investigated the nanomechanical properties, tribological performance, and electrochemical behavior of Co-Cr-Mo ternary alloys. The ternary alloys were fabricated using spark plasma sintering and characterized using a nanoindenter, tribometer, and galvanostat/potentiostat to evaluate their properties accordingly. The findings indicated that the concentrations of Cr and Mo promoted the development of the FCC phase (γ-Co) and the HCP phase (ε-Co). As Mo content increased, the alloys showed better densification and improved nanomechanical characteristics (hardness and modulus of elasticity). Wear resistance was enhanced, with mean COF values and specific wear rates decreasing with Mo increasing content. Electrochemical tests showed that Mo content influenced the Co-Cr alloy's electrochemical behavior, with the Co-Cr-7Mo alloy showing the best electrochemical characteristics for biomedical application. The study elucidates the fabrication and performance of Co-Cr-Mo alloys, widely utilized in biomedical sector.