In-vitro tribological study and submodeling finite element technique in analyzing wear of zirconia toughened alumina against alumina with bio-lubricants for hip implants

Abstract

Tribological study of zirconia toughened alumina against alumina is investigated using ball-on-disk tribometer with different bio-lubricants. Friction and wear coefficients are estimated for these bio-lubricants under four different loading conditions which are equivalent to regular and risky human gait activities. Experiments are carried out for a total sliding distance of 10 km with each bio-lubricant to estimate its friction and wear coefficients. Using submodeling finite element approach, cumulative linear and volumetric wear is estimated with the help of contact pressure. The sesame oil bio-lubricant showed better wear coefficient for risky gait activities and Ringer's solution exhibited minimum wear coefficient for normal walking gait activity. Overall minimum cumulative linear and volumetric wear for 2 million cycles was obtained for Ringer's solution.