The possibility of use of laser-modified Ti6Al4V alloy in friction pairs in endoprostheses

The purpose of this paper is to show results of laser treatment at cryogenic conditions of the Ti6Al4V alloy used for orthopedic applications. That modification process ought to bring beneficial changes of microstructure and residual stresses in the surface layer. The paper presents the abrasive wear of the base and laser remelted material in association with ceramics Al2O3. Despite the surface cracking after laser treatment the tribological properties in simulated body fluid have been substantially improved. Estimation of the abrasive wear of biomaterials for the friction components in hip endoprostheses. A key requirement for the modern endoprostheses is high durability of the moving components, which translates into long and trouble-free life in the human body. The durability of currently used endoprostheses is limited by tribological wear caused by sliding friction. Comparative tribological tests were carried out in order to estimate the wear of sliding contacts of the following composition: 316LVM implantation steel/PE-UHMW and a Ti13Nb13Zr alloy/PE-UHMW. Tribological performance, including resistance to wear, was determined on the basis of the recorded friction coefficient, surface roughness and waviness (initial and resultant), and mass change of the investigated materials specimens.