Sliding wear performances of 316 L, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo alloys [2]

Abstract

In this study, tribological performances of three alloys, 316 L, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo, used in manufacturing orthopedic implants, are compared. Wear tests were conducted on a reciprocating wear tester by rubbing an Al<inf>2</inf>O <inf>3</inf> ball. It was found that the wear resistance of the 316 L and CoCrMo alloy was almost 2 and 24 times of the Ti6Al4V alloy, respectively, whose steady state friction coefficient lies between those of the 316 L and CoCrMo alloy. Examinations of wear tracks and contact surfaces of the Al <inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> ball revealed the dominant wear mechanisms as abrasive for CoCrMo and adhesive for 316 L and Ti6Al4V alloy. These observations confirmed that the favorably biocompatible characteristics of Ti6Al4V alloy was not accompanied by a reasonable sliding contact performance. In this respect, surface modification is a necessity for load bearing Ti6Al4V implants to extend their durability in the human body to the levels of 316 L and/or CoCrMo implants. © 2013 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.