ELECTROPOLISHING OF ALLOYS CONTAINING PLATINUM AND OTHER PRECIOUS METALS

摘要

Radiopaque cobalt-based alloys having a smooth electropolished surface with rounded edges and methods for electropolishing such alloys. A cobalt-based alloy includes cobalt, chromium, and one or more radiopaque elements. In one embodiment, examples of radiopaque elements include so-called platinum group metals (i.e., platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, or iridium). Group 10 elements (i.e., platinum or palladium) are particularly preferred. Because of the presence of the platinum group metal(s), such alloys are generally difficult to electropolish. Electrolyte formulations and methods for electropolishing such alloys are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A radiopaque body having an electropolished surface, comprising:
the radiopaque body formed from a cobalt-based alloy comprising from about 18 weight percent (wt %) to about 39 wt % cobalt, from about 10 wt % to about 25 wt % chromium, from about 20 wt % to about 65 wt % platinum, and wherein the cobalt-based alloy is substantially free of molybdenum.