Influence of the Surface Roughness of Ti6Al7Nb Alloy on Its Behavior in Biotribological Systems

Abstract

The paper presents the results of studies of Ti6Al7Nb alloy properties used in biotribological systems. The following physicochemical treatments of the alloy were compared: polishing, sandblasting, etching as well as sandblasting and etching. Element identification was performed using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an EDS microanalyser. Scanning and confocal microscopy was used to observe surface morphology and topography. Frictional tests were carried out using a ball-disk coupling in reciprocating motion in technically dry friction and friction with lubrication with Ringer’s solution. An optical tensiometer was used to determine the contact angle. As a result of the applied physicochemical treatments, surfaces of different morphology and geometric surface structure were obtained. The polished and etched sample had the most homogeneous surface. It was found that surface roughness significantly influences tribological properties. For the samples characterized by micro roughness of the surface, the best characteristics were obtained under conditions of technically dry friction. However, under the conditions of lubrication with Ringer's solution, the properties were the best for the samples characterized by nanoroughness. Ringer's solution reduced resistance to motion by approximately 20%. A negative influence of surface development on wetting was also found.