Evaluation of tribological and biological properties of TaB2/PEEK composite coatings prepared by electrodeposition

Abstract

AbstractIt is well‐known that a lower wear rate, favorable mechanical properties, and limited inflammatory response are critical factors in determining the long‐term service of orthopedic implants. In this study, we prepare TaB2/PEEK coatings by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of borated tantalum (TaB2) and polyether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) particles on a pure titanium plate (TA2). Nanoindenter, reciprocating ball‐on‐disc tester, and in vitro biological experiments were used to investigate the effects of TaB2 particles on the mechanical properties, tribological properties, and biological properties of composite coatings. The results demonstrate that a small amount of TaB2 particles were equally dispersed in the PEEK matrix, and the mechanical properties are improved, resulting in better tribological properties of the coating. In particular, the wear rate of P‐TB‐3 coating in the simulated body fluid (SBF) was 72% lower than that of the PEEK coating, with a friction coefficient (COF) of 0.164 and a wear rate of 1.45 × 10−6 mm3·N−1 m−1, respectively. Furthermore, the P‐TB‐3 surface boosted Raw264.7 macrophage adherence and proliferation, with a potential to promote Raw264.7 macrophage transition to the M2 phenotype. These results suggest that the P‐TB‐3 coating prepared by EPD is considered as a promising implant replacement material.