Method of surface oxidizing zirconium alloys and resulting product
US6447550B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00634
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An oxide coating is formed on zirconium or zirconium alloys of refined microstructure by a process comprising at least the step of inducing an appropriate altered surface roughness such that subsequent oxidation results in a uniformly thick oxide coating. An oxide coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as hip joints, knee joints, elbows, etc. The uniformly thick oxide coating of controlled depth on oxide coated prostheses provides a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prosthesis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.