Abstract

New generation of metallic implants through capability of absorption within biological environment
has been introduced in recent researches. Although, magnesium implant with proper
biocompatibility has been proposed as biodegradable metallic implant, its insufficient mechanical
attributes must be enhanced for implantation within human body. Laser shock peening has been
successfully conducted for modification of magnesium implant. Overall, laser shock peening can be
performed by low repetition rate (less than 30 Hz) and high power pulsed laser which needs
expensive devices. In order to laser shock peen magnesium alloys that have a lower mechanical
strength, it is better to use high repetition pulsed laser which is much faster and economical.
Recently, high repetition rate laser shock peening of magnesium has been theoretically found
feasible in previous research of authors. In order to validate occurrence of high repetition rate laser
shock peening, changes in surface topography and hardness are evaluated on the magnesium
specimens