Effect of a DLC film on the sliding-wear behaviour of Ti6Al4V: Implications for dental implants

Abstract

Titanium alloys are widely used in parts of dental implants, such as screws and abutments. In practice, unwanted relative sliding between contacting implant parts can cause excessive wear, which may lead to early failure. The effect of a submicron diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating on the friction and wear of Ti6Al4V alloys under sliding contact in artificial saliva was investigated. Critically, the DLC film suppressed adhesion between contacting surfaces, significantly lowered the coefficient of friction and contact stress, and ultimately the wear rate, relative to uncoated Ti6Al4V, while maintaining good film-substrate bonding and undergoing a limited extent of fracture. Results are explained within the framework of contact mechanics. Implications for the development of durable dental implants are discussed.