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Carbon‐ion implantation improves the tribological properties of CoCrMo alloy against ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene
Author(s) -
Koseki Hironobu,
Shindo Hiroyuki,
Furuichi Itaru,
Baba Koumei
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
surface and interface analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1096-9918
pISSN - 0142-2421
DOI - 10.1002/sia.2878
Subject(s) - materials science , tribology , diamond like carbon , carbon fibers , alloy , polyethylene , amorphous carbon , ion implantation , coating , substrate (aquarium) , ultra high molecular weight polyethylene , amorphous solid , adhesion , composite material , ion , metallurgy , nanotechnology , thin film , chemistry , composite number , crystallography , oceanography , organic chemistry , geology
Amorphous diamond‐like carbon (DLC) has drawn a great deal of attention for its superior wear properties against ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Its rate of wear, however, is not necessarily maintained within a specific range. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical features and tribological properties of three types of surfaces: (i) uncoated, (ii) carbon‐ion implantation (CII)‐treated, and (iii) DLC‐film‐coated substrate. The surface alterations were carried out on cobalt–chrome (CoCrMo) alloy by the plasma‐source ion implantation (PSII) method. The wear properties and friction coefficient were estimated by a pin‐on‐plate wear‐tester. We found, as a result, that the implanted carbon penetrated the substrates in which good adhesion was expected. Though the surface modifications by CII and DLC hardened the surfaces, the surface with DLC was also roughened ( R a = 39 nm). In contrast, the surface modified by CII had a very smooth surface ( R a = 15 nm) and low friction coefficient (ranging from 0.15 to 0.20), resulting in a low rate of wear. Our findings suggest that CII on the CoCrMo alloy/UHMWPE pair offers potential benefits as a hard coating for artificial total‐joint arthroplasty. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.