RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effects of copper content on the corrosion resistance of CoCrMoCu alloy and its in vitro antibacterial performance. METHODS: CoCrMoCu specimens with different Cu contents (2%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) were prepared by vacuum melting method. CoCrMo without Cu served as control. The corrosion resistance of the specimens was measured by electrochemistry. The antibacterial effects of the specimens on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were analyzed by coating-film method. RESULTS: Compared with CoCrMo without Cu, the addition of 2%-5% Cu to CoCrMo improved the pitting and uniform corrosion of CoCrMo alloy and decreased the corrosion current density. The antibacterial performance of CoCrMoCu alloy increased with increased Cu content. The antibacterial rate of alloy was 99% when Cu content exceeded 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Cu addition had a statistically significant influence on the corrosion resistance and antibacterial performance of CoCrMoCu. CoCrMoCu has better corrosion resistance and antibacterial performance when Cu content is 5%.