Tribological study on the surface modification of metal-on-polymer bioimplants

Abstract

The tribological performance of artificial joints is regarded as the main factor of the lifespan of implanted prostheses. The relationship between surface roughness and coefficient of friction (COF) under dry and lubricated conditions is studied. Results show that under dry test, friction coefficient is not reduced all the time with a decrease in surface roughness. On the contrary, a threshold of roughness value is observed, and frictional force increases again below this value. This critical value lies between 40 and 100 nm in S_a (roughness). This phenomenon is due to the transfer of friction mechanisms from abrasion to adhesion. Under wet test, COF always decreases with reduction in surface roughness. This result is mainly attributed to the existence of a thin layer of lubricant film that prevents the intimate contact of two articulating surfaces, thus greatly alleviating adhesion friction. Furthermore, surface texturing technology is successful in improving the corresponding tribological performance by decreasing friction force and mitigating surface deterioration. The even-distribution mode of texturing patterns is most suitable for artificial joints. By obtaining the optimal surface roughness and applying texturing technology, the tribological performance of polymer-based bioimplants can be greatly enhanced.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

artificial joints / surface roughness / friction / surface texturing

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Acknowledgements

This publication emanated from research conducted with the financial support of the Science Foundation Ireland (Grant No. 15/RP/B3208). For the purpose of Open Access, the author has applied a CC BY public copyright license to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising from this submission. The “111” Project by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs and the Ministry of Education of China (Grant No. B07014) is also acknowledged. The authors appreciate the help provided by the Extreme Optoelectromechanix Laboratory of the East China Normal University in fabricating micro patterns. Acknowledgments are extended to Orthoplastics for providing UHMWPE materials and Beijing Jinzhi Hongtai Metal for providing CoCrMo disks. Open Access funding provided by the IReL Consortium.

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