Surface investigations of oxide layers on cobalt-chromium-alloyed orthopedic implants using ESCA technique.

The uppermost monolayers of a metal implant are far more important for the corrosion resistance than the alloy itself. Using electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) technique these oxide layers on Vitallium specimens were investigated regarding thickness, elemental composition, and valence state of the elements. The oxide layers on metal implants are not very strong, as they can be easily damaged mechanically. According to environmental conditions, oxide layers of different elemental composition can be grown on the same specimen.