Effect of counter-face material on the tribological characteristics of UHMW polyethylene under synovial fluid lubrication

Abstract

Abstract UHMW polyethylene is widely used for cartilage replacement in joint Arthroplasty. This study is focused on the tribological characteristics of UHMW polyethylene against biomedical grade 316L SS and TiAl6V4 counter-face materials under Synovial fluid lubrication. The Friction Co-efficient and wear rate of the UHMWPE was obtained from the tribological tests performed on the recipro-cating tri-bometer. Lower Friction Co-efficient and specific wear rate was achieved for UHMWPE against TiAl6V4 counter-face material than 316L SS under Synovial fluid lubrication. From the in-vitro tribological tests, it was demonstrated that the UHMWPE/TiAl6V4 is a good tribo-pair for artificial joints.