Surface characteristics evolution of 316L stainless steel induced by tension loading

316L stainless steel has been employed as a medical implant material owing to its advantageous biocompatibility and durability. The microstructure and surface characteristics of 316L play a crucial role in implant application. Diverse processing methods were utilized to modify the surface properties of 316L to customize the characteristics of medical devices. Mechanical deformation induces changes in the microstructure and causes changes in surface topography. In this study, we introduced deformation to 316L by applying uniaxial tension at strain values ranging from 2% to 25%. During sample preparation, electrochemical polishing was employed to eliminate the deformed layers generated by mechanical grinding. After the tensile test, a contact angle test was conducted. The surface relief of 316L was examined using three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning microscopy and atomic force microscopy. X-ray diffraction with CuK radiation in the Bragg–Brentano (θ–θ) mode was also employed to identify the phase transformation. It can be concluded that higher strain levels increased surface roughness and the number of slip lines. At higher strain levels, samples exhibited a martensitic transformation, affecting topography changes and the surface free energy. The contact angle measurement results and surface free energy determination showed improved wettability following plastic deformation. Determining the factors that affect surface wettability requires an understanding of the relationship between surface free energy, topography, and surface roughness. Deformation-induced martensite can significantly increase the surface free energy and wettability of 316L stainless steel (SS) by altering strain levels. It is important to consider surface characteristics to understand slip mechanisms at grain boundaries, particularly in cases where surfaces have been electropolished. Nevertheless, the surface also manifested deformation-induced martensitic (DIM) transformation, potentially posing a risk to the passive film and contributing to corrosion, consequently reducing the implant’s lifespan.