Unraveling the effects of nano-grained microstructure on mechanical behavior, corrosion, and in vitro biocompatibility of 316L austenitic stainless steel

Nanograins are often beneficial in achieving better cytocompatibility for metallic implants. In this work, we have achieved grains from the micro to nano range in 316L austenitic stainless steel by a combination of cryo-rolling (50%, 70%, and 90% thickness reduction) followed by annealing (750–1000 °C for 2–20 min). The combined effect of grain refinement along with texture on its mechanical, corrosion, and in vitro cellular behavior was thoroughly investigated. Microstructural observations revealed nanograins formation (grain size = 144 nm) only for the 90CRA sample, whereas grain refinement in the micron range was observed for 0-70CRA samples. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) studies showed fully austenitic structures for all the annealed samples while low Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM) values indicated strain-free microstructures. Orientation distribution function (ODF) maps showed the presence of strong γ-fiber ( ||ND) and weak α-fiber ( ||ND) in the 90CRA sample. The grain refinement led to an increase in the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength from 470.6 ± 16.21 MPa and 858.35 ± 31.82 MPa (0CRA) to 1662.06 ± 58.44 MPa and 2112.3 ± 51.62 MPa (90CRA), respectively. The potentiodynamic polarization study revealed that the corrosion rate of the 90CRA sample was about eight times less than that of the 0CRA sample. This was further corroborated by Mott-Schottky analysis, which showed a lowering of both acceptor and donor densities with the reduction in grain size. The evolution of a strong texture during cryo-rolling contributed towards enhanced corrosion resistance of nano-grained 316L. Furthermore, grain refinement improved wettability, which in turn led to better cell proliferation and differentiation. At all culture days, MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and differentiation were considerably higher for nano-grained 316L micron-sized counterparts. Thus, grain refinement to the nano range is an effective technique for the property enhancement of biomedical implants. [Display omitted] •316L steel was cryo-deformed and reversion annealed to gain nano grains.•Nano-grains (NG) formation resulted in about 8 times decrease in corrosion rate.•Mott-Schottky analysis revealed 2 times decrease in defect density.•NG sample showed enhanced cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.