Tribological Analysis of Al₂O₃/TiO₂/ZrO₂ Nanocomposites as an Alternative for THR Materials

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.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volumes 510-511)
• Pages: 838-841
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.510-511.838
• Online since: March 2006
• Authors: Santiago Visbal, Soo Wohn Lee, C. Morillo, Daniel G. Carrillo, Joaquín Lira-Olivares
• Keywords: Aluminum (Al), Friction, Hip Replacement, Titania, Wear, Zirconia

References

[1] Y. S Zhou, M. Ohashi, K Ikeuchi: Wear Vol. 210 (1997), p.112.

[2] S. Bégin-Colin, A. Mocelin, J. Vin Stebut, K. Bordi, D. Mainard: J. Mater. Sci 33, (1998), p.2837.

[3] K. Niihara: J. Ceram. Soc. Japan Vol. 99, (1991), p.974.

[4] S.W. Lee, C. Morillo, J. Lira: Wear Vol. 255 (2003), p.1040.

[5] S.W. Lee, S. Visbal, J. Lira: Microstructural and Tribological Properties of Al2O3/TiO2/SiC Nanocomposites for the Femoral Head of Hip Joint Replacements. The 4th International Biotribology Forum and the 24th Biotribology Symposium. (Japan 2003).

[6] M. Nawa, N. Bamba, T. Sekino, K. Niihara: J. Eur. Ceram. Soc. Vol. 18 (1998), p.209.

[7] M. Nawa, S. Nakamoto, T. Sekino, K. Niihara: Ceram. Int. Vol. 24 (1997), p.497.

[8] K. Tanaka, J. Tamura, K. Kawanabe J. Biomed. Res. Vol. 63 (2002), p.262.

[9] Y. Shindo, W.C. Moffatt, H.K. Bowen: Mat. Lett. Vol. 10 (1990), p.79.

[10] ASM Handbook: Glass and Ceramics Vol. 4 (USA 1992), p.186.

[11] M.A. Cameruccia, G. Urretavizcayab, A.L. Cavalieria: Mat. Res Vol. 3 (2000), p.124.

[12] S. Kim, S.W. Lee, H.S. Aum, Y. Chung: J. Kor. Ass. Cry. Grow Vol. 9 (1999), p.217.

[13] S. Kim, S.W. Lee, Y. Kim, D. Riu, T. Sekino, K. Niihara: J. Kor. Ceram. Soc. Vol. 38 (2001), p.1080.

[14] J. Rodríguez, A. Martín, J. Pastor, J. Llorca, J. Bartolomé, J. Moya: J. Am. Ceram. Soc. Vol. 82 (1999), p.2252.

[15] T.A. Stolarski: Tribology in Machine Design (Industrial Press Inc., Oxford 1990).

[16] R. Davidge, F. Riley: Wear Vol. 186-187 (1995), p.45.

[17] S.H. Kim, S.W. Lee, Y.K. Park: Kor. J. Ceram Vol. 6 (2000), p.193.

[18] E. Rabinowicz: Friction and Wear of Materials (USA 1965).