Frictional Behaviour and Surface Topography Evolution of DLC-Coated Biomedical Alloys

Frictional Behaviour and Surface Topography Evolution of DLC-Coated Biomedical Alloys

WoS Article

Advanced engineering coatings offer a promising solution to enhance the longevity and performance of medical biomaterials in orthopaedic implants. This study hypothesises that diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings exhibit distinct frictional performance based on substrate and counterface material. Three different DLC coatings were tested using a pin-on-plate test in four material combinations. Virgin and DLC-coated CoCrMo and Ti6Al4V pins were tested under sliding against UHMWPE and glass plates with simulated body fluid lubrication. Results revealed that coating composition significantly impacts frictional performance, with silicon- and oxygen-doped coatings showing great potential to minimise friction. Surprisingly, reducing contact pressure had either a neutral or somewhat negative effect. Future investigations will focus on long-term testing and lubrication analyses of these material combinations.

Advanced engineering coatings offer a promising solution to enhance the longevity and performance of medical biomaterials in orthopaedic implants. This study hypothesises that diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings exhibit distinct frictional performance based on substrate and counterface material. Three different DLC coatings were tested using a pin-on-plate test in four material combinations. Virgin and DLC-coated CoCrMo and Ti6Al4V pins were tested under sliding against UHMWPE and glass plates with simulated body fluid lubrication. Results revealed that coating composition significantly impacts frictional performance, with silicon- and oxygen-doped coatings showing great potential to minimise friction. Surprisingly, reducing contact pressure had either a neutral or somewhat negative effect. Future investigations will focus on long-term testing and lubrication analyses of these material combinations.

biotribology, CoCrMo, diamond-like carbon, implant materials, synovial joint, Ti6Al4V

biotribology, CoCrMo, diamond-like carbon, implant materials, synovial joint, Ti6Al4V

David Nečas, Adam Gelnar, Benedict Rothammer, Max Marian, Matúš Ranuša, Sandro Wartzack, Martin Vrbka, Ivan Křupka, Martin Hartl

2026

21.03.2025

Biosurface and Biotribology

1

11

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

e70004-01

e70004-014

14

https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1049/bsb2.70004