Fretting Wear and Corrosion Behavior of the Fe‐35Mn Biodegradable Alloy for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The biodegradable Fe‐35Mn alloy has emerged as a promising material for temporary implants due to its excellent mechanical, degradation, magnetic, and biocompatibility properties. Despite these advantages, its in vivo performance can be affected by factors such as friction, wear, and corrosive environments, compromising long‐term stability. This study aimed to evaluate the corrosion and tribological wear behavior of the Fe‐35Mn alloy using pure Fe as the control group. Characterization was conducted using XRD, Vickers microhardness, and OM. Corrosion resistance was assessed through potentiodynamic polarization, and fretting wear behavior was investigated under simulated micromotion conditions. The addition of Mn promoted the formation of a predominantly austenitic microstructure, resulting in increased hardness. The alloy exhibited a higher degradation rate and tribological stability. Its coefficient of friction stabilized more rapidly, and wear mark analysis revealed reduced depth and lower material loss. The results reinforce the potential of the alloy for applications in physiological environments subjected to mechanical loading and dynamic conditions.