Papers by Author: Santiago Visbal

Abstract: This work studied the microstructure and tribological behavior of Al2O3/TiO2/ZrO2 nanocomposites to be used in hip joint replacements. To increase the fracture toughness of alumina and enhance the tribological properties, nanometer sized particles of TiO2 and ZrO2 were added. The specimens contained 10 mol% of TiO2, different percentages of ZrO2 (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 15 and 20 mol %), and alumina as a remainder. Disks were hot pressed at 1500 °C and 25 MPa, in an Argon atmosphere for 1 hour. Given the fact that the sample containing 7.5 mol% of ZrO2 showed the lowest wear volume, it was hot pressed again at 1500, 1400, 1300 and 1200 °C to assess the best temperature condition for sintering. For a composition of 7.5 mol% of ZrO2 the lowest coefficient of friction (0.1-0.3) and the lowest wear volume (0.0046 mm3) were achieved. A direct relation between mechanical and tribological properties was not found. However, these nanocomposites may be considered as a candidate for a new generation of hip joint replacement material.

Abstract: Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3-TiO2-SiC nanocomposites were studied. To improve the mechanical and tribological properties of alumina, nano-sized TiO2 and SiC powders were dispersed. Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique, at 1400°C, 50 MPa for 5 minutes, was applied for the densification of Al2O3-TiO2-SiC nanocomposites. Characterization of Al2O3- TiO2-SiC nanocomposites was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-ray diffractometer and EDX. Fracture toughness and Vickers hardness were estimated by indentation technique. These experimental results on mechanical properties of Al2O3-TiO2-SiC nanocomposites indicated that they can be a potential material with high hardness and high fracture toughness to be used as femoral head in total hip joint replacement.