Effect of hygrothermal aging on the tribological behavior of HDPE composites for bio-implant application

• Main Authors: A. Salem, W. Bensalah, S. Mezlini
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-02-01
• Series: Polymer Testing
• Subjects: HDPE composites; Hygrothermal aging; Friction behavior; Wear behavior
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142941820322790

High density polyethylene (HDPE) is a material which was known for its biocompatibility and its application for artificial joints. However, the wear resistance of a HDPE can be enhanced with addition of reinforcements. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), cuttlebone (CB) and red coral (RC) are auspicious reinforcements of HDPE. The wear resistance of the elaborated composite materials in physiological environment has been carried out. To simulate their wear behavior in natural aging, accelerated hygrothermal aging is required. In the present work, the tribological response of hygrothermal aging composite materials was experimentally performed via a reciprocating pin-on-disk tribometer. Water intake and diffusion coefficient were assessed before sliding. The results showed an improvement in the friction and wear responses of the aging unfilled HDPE in distilled water and in Ringer's solution. The tribological behavior of the composites was affected by the aging conditions particularly with Ringer's solution, due to the corrosion phenomenon.