Synergistic Regulation Mechanism of Inorganic Thermal Oxidation Coating and Poly (Vinylphosphonic Acid) (PVPA) Coating for High Load Bearing Superlubricity

Mengmeng Liu,Junmin Chen,Caixia Zhang,Liang Jiang,Xianyong Li,Zhifeng Liu

doi:10.3390/app11010416

Mengmeng Liu, Junmin Chen + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010416

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Abstract

A low friction coefficient and high bearing capacity can improve the service life of implants in the human body. In this study, we firstly investigate the mechanical properties of inorganic thermal oxide coatings on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). Tribological experiments were performed for different tribo-pairs under uniform conditions. The inorganic thermal oxide coating on Ti6Al4V formed at 300℃ was found to have excellent tribological properties and can effectively improve the bearing capacity of Ti6Al4V. The organic poly (vinylphosphonic acid) (PVPA) on Ti6Al4V has excellent anti-friction properties, which can help achieve superlubricity. An inorganic thermal oxide/organic PVPA composite coating was fabricated on Ti6Al4V to obtain a surface with low friction and high bearing capacity. It is found that the presence of the thermal oxide doubled the bearing capacity of the composite coating compared to that of the PVPA coating alone. This study can serve as a guide for the modification of artificial joints.

Highlights

Titanium alloys are widely used in medical implants such as artificial implants, sensors, stents, etc
Previous studies have shown that performing inorganic thermal oxidation on biomedical titanium alloys is beneficial to the preparation of composite coatings [27]
We demonstrated the efficacy of organic PVPA coatings in the

Summary

Introduction

Titanium alloys are widely used in medical implants such as artificial implants, sensors, stents, etc. They offer outstanding biocompatibility which is a major factor in their successful usage [1]. Owing to the complex environment in vivo, the surface properties of implants require further improvements. Surface modification strategies vary based on the application, especially considering biofouling and tribology. Polymer-based modifications are usually performed on surfaces that are prone to biofouling [5]. Techniques to improve the tribological properties of titanium alloys have received significant attention, and surface modifications using inorganic, organic polymer, and composite coatings have been proposed. Inorganic coatings can improve the wear resistance owing to the increased hardness with the coatings

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