Wear Debris Particles Research Articles

Inductive Coulter counting: detection and differentiation of metal wear particles inlubricant

A device based on an inductive Coulter counting principle for detecting metalparticles in lubrication oil is presented. The device detects the passage of ferrousand nonferrous particles by monitoring the inductance change in a coil. First,the sensing principle is demonstrated at the mesoscale using a solenoid. Next, asmall planar coil suitable for use in a microscale device is tested. Static tests areconducted on the planar coil using iron and aluminum particles ranging from 80 to500 µm. The testing results show that the coil can be used to detect and distinguish ferrous andnonferrous metal particles in lubrication oil; such particles can be indicative of potentialmachine faults in rotating and reciprocating machinery. The design concept demonstratedhere can be extended to a microfluidic device for real-time monitoring of ferrous andnonferrous wear debris particles.

The in vitro genotoxicity of orthopaedic ceramic (Al2O3) and metal (CoCr alloy) particles

One of the biggest problems with orthopaedic joint replacements has been the tendency for metal-on-polyethylene implants to produce particulate wear debris. These particles stimulated adjacent macrophage infiltration, which caused destruction of bone and soft tissue, resulting in aseptic loosening of the implant. This problem led to the development of new implants with articulating surfaces that produce less volumetric wear (metal-on-metal, MOM, and ceramic-on-ceramic, COC). To determine whether there could be adverse biological effects from exposure to particulate wear debris after total hip replacement (THR), we investigated the in vitro genotoxic effects of alumina ceramic (Al2O3) particles in comparison with cobalt–chrome metal (CoCr alloy) particles.Primary human fibroblasts were exposed to Al2O3 nanoparticles or CoCr alloy particles (0.1–10mg/T-75 flask) for 5 days. There were no significant differences in cell viability between control and ceramic-treated cells, at all doses and time-points studied. Cells exposed to CoCr alloy particles showed both dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity. There was a small but significant increase in micronucleated binucleate cells after 24h of treatment with >1mg/T-75 flask of alumina particulates compared with controls, although no clear dose–response was observed. The induction of micronuclei was unaffected by the size or shape of the ceramic particles. The increase in micronucleated binucleate cells was much greater after exposure to CoCr particles for 24h, showing a clear dose–response curve. No increase in gamma-H2AX foci was noted in cells exposed to ceramic particles, in contrast with a significant increase of these foci in cells exposed to CoCr particles at comparable mass/surface doses. Cytogenetic analysis showed that both types of particle caused mainly numerical rather than structural chromosomal aberrations, with a greater number and variation of lesions induced by CoCr particles. In conclusion, our results show that alumina (Al2O3) ceramic particles are only weakly genotoxic to human cells in vitro when compared with metal (CoCr alloy) particles.

A Histological Study of Retrieved Cambridge Acetabular Components

A new uncemented acetabular component, the Cambridge cup, has been designed to mimic the anatomy and physiology of subchondral bone in order to minimise stress shielding and enhance long-term component stability. Cambridge cups were implanted in a cohort of 50 women who presented with displaced sub-capital fracture of the femoral neck. The cups were manufactured with an hydroxyapatite (HA) coating. Twenty six cups were implanted after removal of the HA. Twelve Cambridge cups were retrieved post-mortem between two and 84 months after implantation. Histological and histomorphometric testing was undertaken to analyse the residual HA coating thickness, bone apposition to the implant surface and particulate wear debris in the surrounding tissues. The HA-coated implants showed significantly greater bone apposition to the implant surface with significantly less fibrous tissue formation than the uncoated implants. Where HA resorption occurred, bone and bone marrow was seen adjacent to the implant. Excessive wear of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene liner was not seen. The HA-coated components demonstrated good initial bone implant bonding and the flexible carbon polymer appeared to maintain stability following HA resorption. The uncoated implants showed little or no bony apposition but had a fibrous membrane apposed to the implant surface. This may be explained by a combination of micro-motion at the bone implant interface and having a component surface finish that was poorly suited to osseous attachment. Hydroxyapatite coated acetabular components can provide reliable osseous attachment. Subsequent HA resorption need not compromise medium-term osseous fixation to an appropriate implant surface.

Wear Mechanisms of TiB2 and TiB2–TiSi2 at Fretting Contacts with Steel and WC–6 wt% Co

Unlubricated fretting wear tests on TiB2 and TiB2–5 wt% TiSi2 ceramics against two different mating materials (bearing grade steel and WC–6 wt% Co balls) were performed with a view to understand the counterbody‐dependent difference in friction and wear properties. The fretting experiments were conducted systematically by varying load (2–10 N) at an oscillating frequency of 4 Hz and 100 μm linear stroke, for a duration of 100,000 cycles. Adhesion, abrasion, and three‐body wear have been observed as mechanisms of material damage for both the TiB2/steel and TiB2/WC–Co tribosystems. The third body is predominantly characterized as tribochemical layer for TiB2/steel and loose wear debris particles for TiB2/WC–Co tribocouple. An explanation on differences in tribological properties has been provided in reference to the counterbody material as well as microstructure and mechanical properties of flat materials.

Radiographic and histopathologic analysis of osteolysis after total shoulder arthroplasty

This study analyzed clinical, radiographic, and histologic data from failed total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs) to determine factors associated with osteolysis. From 1985 to 2005, 52 patients (mean age, 61.6 years) underwent revision TSA at a single institution at a mean of 4.3 years after their index surgery. Patients were retrospectively assigned to 2 cohorts based on the presence (n = 10) or absence (n = 42) of osteolysis around their implants on the last prerevision surgery radiographs. Clinical information, associated histopathology from tissues obtained at revision surgery, and polyethylene wear data from the retrieved glenoid components were compared between groups. In the osteolysis group, 20% had screw fixation compared with 2.5% without osteolysis (P = .039). The radiolucency score was significantly higher in the osteolysis group: 12.7 +/- 2.0 vs 8.7 +/- 3.7 (P = .003). Wear analysis of the osteolysis group demonstrated significant increases in third-body particles compared with those implants without osteolysis (P = .004). Histology available from retrieved implants demonstrated particulate debris in 62% of patients with osteolytic lesions vs 67% without osteolytic lesions (P > .05). Significant differences were found in patients with osteolytic lesions compared with patients undergoing TSA revision surgery without such lesions, specifically with regard to glenoids that used adjuvant screw fixation, the presence of increased radiolucent lines, and an abundance of third-body wear. No significant differences were found in particulate wear debris despite the prevailing notion that osteolysis is associated with particulate debris from implant wear. Screw fixation and third-body wear were associated with osteolysis after TSA.

Influence of Suspended Talc Particles in Oil And Nature of Material Microconstituents on Sliding Wear Characteristics of Cast Iron and Zinc-based Alloy

This investigation pertains to some observations on the sliding wear behaviour of a zincbased alloy and grey cast iron as influenced by the content of talc particles suspend in SAE40 oil lubricant. Tribological parameters evaluated using a pin-on-disc machine were wear rate, frictional heating and friction coefficient. The study suggests that the presence of suspended talc particles in the oil lubricant brought about improved wear response of the samples. However, the degree of improvement was strongly dependent on the talc content and even adverse effect of talc addition beyond a limit was noted. The observed wear response of the samples has been eXplained in terms of characteristics like compatibility, lubricating and cracking tendency of various microconstituents of the specimen materials and formation and stability of lubricant film during sliding. Characteristic features of wear surfaces, subsurface regions and debris particles enabled to further substantiate the wear response of the samples.

Influence of MoSi2 Addition on Load‐Dependent Fretting Wear Properties of TiB2 Against Cemented Carbide

In an earlier work, it was observed that the use of MoSi2 (up to 10 wt%) enhanced the densification and mechanical properties of TiB2. Therefore, the motivation of this study is three‐fold: (a) to assess whether a small amount of MoSi2 addition can enhance wear resistance property, (b) to study whether the MoSi2 addition will influence the formation of a tribochemical layer, and (c) to correlate the wear resistance with material properties in TiB2–MoSi2 materials. In order to address these issues, a series of fretting experiments were conducted systematically by varying load (2, 5, and 10 N) at an oscillating frequency of 4 Hz and a 100 μm linear stroke, for a duration of 100 000 cycles with a cemented carbide (WC—6 wt% Co cermet) ball as a counterbody. The average coefficient of friction of the TiB2 samples varied within a narrow range (0.50–0.54), without being much affected by either the sintering additive or the load. The wear volume increased with increasing load, while the specific wear rate of all the TiB2 compositions falls within a mild wear regime (1.1–3.4 × 10−6 mm3/Nm). Based on the experimental results, it can be said that the addition of MoSi2 degrades neither the wear resistance properties nor the frictional properties of TiB2, within the investigated load regime. The microcracking‐induced spalling has been found to be the dominant mechanism and, consequently, the wear volume is observed to have a linear dependency on the abrasion parameter. It is noteworthy that the tribo‐oxidation as well as the formation of finer wear debris particles occurs to a limited extent.

A comparison of the effects of prosthetic and commercially pure metals on retrieved human fibroblasts: The role of surface elemental composition

The most common clinical cause of long-term failure in total joint replacement surgery is inflammatory aseptic osteolysis; a condition in which bone surrounding the prosthetic implant, and to which the implant is attached, is resorbed, rendering the artificial device loose and painful. Historically, the severity of this bone resorptive process has been thought to be predominately attributed to the size and shape of wear-debris particles, particularly the metallic particulates that interact biologically/immunologically with cells in the joint. Because the cytotoxic reactions are the result of interactions between the cells and the surfaces of the particulates, it is not clear in the realm of orthopedics to what extent different surface stoichiometric ratios contribute to instigating bioreactive or cytotoxic cellular responses that can lead to aseptic osteolysis. Using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), this study presents data and analyses concerning the respective bulk and surface stoichiometric ratios of two commercially pure metal micro-particulates (tantalum and titanium), two prosthetic F75 cobalt–chromium–molybdenum alloy micro-particulates, and prosthetic F136 titanium–aluminum–vanadium alloy micro-particulates, each containing elements common to total joint replacement surgery. Cell culture viability data from four volunteer donors are also presented, which suggest that micro-particulates containing large percentages of surface titanium and aluminum can cause moderate cellular toxicity, and micro-particulates containing large percentages of surface cobalt can result in extremely severe cellular toxicity. This work further suggests that surface analysis techniques, such as XPS, are essential to determine surface elemental characterization of metallic materials prior to interpreting cellular response results.

Proinflammatory and osteoclastogenic effects of beta-tricalciumphosphate and hydroxyapatite particles on human mononuclear cells in vitro

Particulate wear debris can activate defence cells and osteoclasts at the bone–implant interface possibly leading to bone resorption and implant failure. Cellular responses and inflammatory effects have been reported for particulate hydroxyapatite (HA). However, the immunological effects of particulate beta-tricalciumphosphate (beta-TCP) have not been studied and the question of whether beta-TCP is more biocompatible in this regard as is HA remains to be determined. Therefore the present work investigates effects of endotoxin-free HA and beta-TCP particles of the same size ( d 50 = 1 μm) and dose (SAR 10:1) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. The production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-8) and cytokines connected to osteoclast and dendritic cell differentiation (OPG, RANKL, M-CSF, GM-CSF) was determined by ELISA. After 6 and 18 h of incubation HA and beta-TCP caused a quite similar induction of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-8. Effects of particles on the production of M-CSF and OPG were not detectable. However, in sharp contrast to HA, beta-TCP caused less induction of GM-CSF and not any of RANKL, both known for promoting dendritic cells and osteoclastogenesis respectively. Therefore these in vitro data suggest that wear debris of beta-TCP poses lesser risk of the detrimental effects of osteoclast induction known from HA.

Titanium particles stimulate COX-2 expression in synovial fibroblasts through an oxidative stress-induced, calpain-dependent, NF-κB pathway

In prosthetic loosening, bone resorption is induced by wear debris particles generated from the artificial joint articulation. Our prior work showed that synovial-like fibroblasts respond to titanium particles by producing receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), a critical activator of osteoclastogenesis. While this effect occurs through a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent pathway, the mechanism of COX-2 stimulation by titanium particles is not clear. Here we show that titanium particles induce COX-2 gene expression by activating NF-kappaB signaling. Inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkappaBalpha) is degraded following particle treatment, permitting active NF-kappaB to translocate to the nucleus where it interacts with the COX-2 promoter and drives transcription. NF-kappaB activation is dependent on reactive oxygen species since antioxidants block the NF-kappaB signaling induced by particles. Surprisingly, IkappaBalpha degradation is independent of IKK (IkappaB kinase) and the 26S proteasome. Instead, calpain inhibitor can block the IkappaBalpha degradation induced by particles. Furthermore, the calpain-targeted COOH-terminal PEST sequence of IkappaBalpha is necessary for phosphorylation and degradation, consistent with a proteasome-independent mechanism of catabolism. Altogether, the data demonstrate a signaling pathway by which titanium particles induce oxidative stress, stimulate calpain-mediated NF-kappaB activation, and activate target gene expression, including COX-2. These findings define important targets for osteolysis but may also have importance in other diseases where fibroblasts respond to environmental particles, including pulmonary diseases.

Wear mechanism in automotive brake materials, wear debris and its potential environmental impact

A model semi-metallic brake lining was subjected to full-scale automotive brake dynamometer tests. The structural properties and surface topography of brake linings were analyzed at different stages of wear testing and correlated to frictional performance. Characteristics of released wear particles were also addressed. A combination of abrasive and adhesive wear with oxidative processes dominated the friction process. Formation of a friction layer adhering to the friction surfaces of pads and discs is the major feature responsible for friction performance. Characteristics of the friction layer depend mostly on surface temperature, normal pressure, and sliding speed. It is a newly formed sintered composite matter consisting of a mixture of wear particulates. Wear rates and friction levels depend on chemistry, structure and hardness of the friction layer covering the surface of a pad or a disc; however, there is no simple Archard-type relationship between wear and measured hardness. Wear debris generated during the dynamometer tests was collected from containers placed under the brake inside dynamometer chamber. The collected debris was compared with ball-milled particles from identical brake lining. It is necessary to combine several analytical methods to characterize wear particles properly. The presence of copper and iron oxides as well as carbonaceous components is typical for all collected debris samples. Chemistry of wear debris resembles chemistry of the friction layer. Composition, mutagenic potency and pulmonary toxicity of wear debris and ball-milled particles were also analyzed. Mutagenic potency of initial friction composite and wear particles was evaluated by two in vitro bacterial microbioassays (SOS Chromotest, Ames test). Obtained results show potency of wear particles for interacting with DNA after metabolic activation, which indicates the presence of indirect mutagens. The pulmonary toxicity test on rats revealed an acute response of the lung tissue to the ball-milled particles. Further research is necessary to address the role of brake wear particles and potential impact of sub-chronic exposure to wear debris.

High temperature tribology of CrN and multilayered Cr/CrN coatings

Chromium nitride (CrN) and multilayers Cr/CrN coatings were deposited by low cathodic arc technology. The thickness of Cr and CrN layers was identical; two different multilayer coatings were deposited with layer thicknesses of 85 and 160 nm. The structural analysis showed that CrN coatings exhibited the cubic CrN phase, while a mixture of CrN, Cr 2N and Cr phases was observed in the case of multilayers. The annealing of the samples at 800 and 900 °C in air led to: (1) the decomposition of the chromium nitride phases into chromium; (2) a moderate oxidation by forming a thin Cr 2O 3 layer on the coating surface and, (3) carbon diffusion from the steel substrate. The chemical composition depth analysis performed by glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) showed a nitrogen-rich layer below the surface oxide layer for Cr/CrN multilayers. The multilayer structure, clearly visible by GDOES at room temperature, disappeared at 800 °C. Friction and wear analysis carried out by pin-on-disc in the temperature range 600–800 °C followed by the wear track observation by scanning electron microscopy showed that the dominant feature influencing the tribological properties was the formation of a tribolayer. The tribolayer consisted of small wear debris particles of chromium oxide pressed together and well adhered in the wear track. The multilayer Cr/CrN coatings showed a slightly better wear resistance than CrN film.

The roles of monocytic heat shock protein 60 and Toll‐like receptors in the regional inflammation response to wear debris particles

The biological response to orthopaedic wear debris is central to peri-prosthetic tissue inflammation and osteolysis, through mechanisms that include local inflammatory cytokine production. In particular, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha|) are generated in high quantities following monocyte accumulation in periprosthetic inflammatory tissue, and these cytokine combine with other inflammatory mediators to trigger osteolysis. Since the precise mechanisms involved in debris-associated inflammation remain unclear, it is important to understand how wear debris particles initially interact with inflammatory cells. We have previously demonstrated that the severity of the inflammation response is influenced by the size, shape, and quantity of particles accumulated in tissues. The current in vitro and in vivo results indicate that heat-shock protein (Hsp) expression is elevated when monocytes are exposed to wear debris particles. We have also addressed the mechanisms by which heat-shock protein 60 (Hsp60) positively modulates inflammatory cytokines via Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) signal transduction pathway on mononuclear cells. Furthermore, down-regulation of TLR4 expression using antisense oligonucleotides targeted to TLR4 mRNA suppressed cytokine production in both exogenous Hsp60 and particles stimulated cultures. Collectively, these data indicate that monocytic Hsp60 is an additional inducible immunoregulatory mediator in response to particle-induced cell stress.

Inhibition of titanium particle-induced osteoclastogenesis through inactivation of NFATc1 by VIVIT peptide

Osteoclastogenesis induced by particulate wear debris is a major pathological factor contributing to periprosthetic osteolysis. Although the nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) is known to be involved in osteoclast differentiation, its effect on osteoclastogenesis in response to wear particles remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of NFATc1 in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation from bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) stimulated with titanium (Ti) particles. The results showed that Ti particles could stimulate BMMs to produce proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6) and differentiate into multinucleated osteoclasts in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). NFATc1 was expressed in BMMs and multinucleated cells cultured with Ti particles and RANKL. Inactivation of NFATc1 by 11R-VIVIT peptide potently impeded the Ti particle-induced osteoclastogenesis. 11R-VIVIT peptide does not have toxic effect on BMMs. Based on these data, we conclude that inactivation of NFATc1 by VIVIT peptide would provide a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of periprosthetic osteolysis.

Tensile and tribological properties of high‐crystallinity radiation crosslinked UHMWPE

Osteolysis due to particulate wear debris associated with ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components of total joint replacement prostheses has been a major factor determining their in vivo lifetime. In recent years, radiation crosslinking has been employed to decrease wear rates in PE components, especially in acetabular cups of total hip replacement prostheses. A drawback of radiation crosslinking is that it leads to a crosslinked PE (or XPE) with lower mechanical properties compared with uncrosslinked PE. In contrast, high-crystallinity PEs are known to have several mechanical properties higher than conventional PE. In this study, we hypothesized that increasing the crystallinity of radiation crosslinked and remelted XPE would result in an increase in tensile properties without compromising wear resistance. High-pressure crystallization was performed on PE and XPE and analyzed for the resulting morphological alterations using differential scanning calorimeter, low voltage scanning electron microscopy, and ultrasmall angle X-ray scattering. Uniaxial tensile tests showed that high-pressure crystallization increased the tensile modulus and yield stress in both PE and XPE, decreased the ultimate strain and ultimate stress in PE but had no significant effect on ultimate strain or ultimate stress in XPE. Multidirectional wear tests demonstrated that high-pressure crystallization decreased the wear resistance of PE but had no effect on the wear resistance of XPE. In conclusion, this study shows that high-pressure crystallization can be effectively used to increase the crystallinity and modulus of XPE without compromising its superior wear resistance compared with PE.

In vivo murine model of continuous intramedullary infusion of particles—A preliminary study

Continued production of wear debris affects both initial osseointegration and subsequent bone remodeling of total joint replacements (TJRs). However, continuous delivery of clinically relevant particles using a viable, cost effective, quantitative animal model to simulate the scenario in humans has been a challenge for orthopedic researchers. In this study, we successfully infused blue-dyed polystyrene particles, similar in size to wear debris in humans, to the intramedullary space of the mouse femur for 4 weeks using an osmotic pump. Approximately 40% of the original particle load (85 microL) was delivered into the intramedullary space, an estimate of 3 x 10(9) particles. The visible blue dye carried by the particles confirmed the delivery. This model demonstrated that continuous infusion of particles to the murine bone-implant interface is possible. In vivo biological processes associated using wear debris particles can be studied using this new animal model.

Sliding wear characteristics of grey cast iron as influenced by sliding speed, load and environment

The present investigation pertains to the observations made during sliding of a grey cast iron against a steel counterface over a range of sliding speeds, applied loads and test environments. The nature of the environment was altered through the presence of oil and suspended graphite particles therein. The presence of oil improved the wear characteristics of the samples in terms of lower wear rate and decreased frictional heating in general. An additional presence of suspended graphite particles in the oil lubricant brought about a further improvement in the wear response of the samples in all the test conditions except at the highest speed at high applied loads; the trend reversed in the latter case. Increasing speed and load led to deterioration in the wear behaviour. The behaviour of the material has been explained in terms of specific response of different microconstituents such as pearlite, ferrite and graphite and corroborated with the observed features of wear surfaces, subsurface regions and debris particles.

Friction and Wear Properties of Novel HDPE—HAp—Al2O3Biocomposites against Alumina Counterface

In an effort to enhance physical properties of biopolymers (high-density polyethylene, HDPE) in terms of elastic modulus and hardness, various ceramic fillers, like alumina (Al2O3) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) are added, and therefore it is essential to assess the friction and wear resistance properties of HDPE biocomposites. In this perspective, HDPE composites with varying ceramic filler content (upto 40 vol%) were fabricated under the optimal compression molding conditions and their friction and wear properties were evaluated against Al2O3 at fretting contacts. All the experiments were conducted at a load of 10 N for duration of 100,000 cycles in both dry as well as simulated body fluid (SBF). Such planned set of experiments has been designed to address three important issues: (a) whether the improvement in physical properties (hardness, E-modulus) will lead to corresponding improvement in friction and wear properties; (b) whether the fretting in SBF will provide sufficient lubrication in order to considerably enhance the tribological properties, as compared to that in ambient conditions; and (c) whether the generation of wear debris particles be reduced for various compositionally modified polymer composites, in comparison to unreinforced HDPE. The experimental results indicate the possibility of achieving extremely low coefficient of friction (COF approximately 0.047) as well as higher wear resistance (wear rate in the order of approximately 10(-7) mm3 N(-1) m(-1)) with the newly developed composites in SBF. A low wear depth of 3.5-4 microm is recorded, irrespective of fretting environment. Much effort has been put forward to correlate the friction and wear mechanisms with abrasion, adhesion, and wear debris formation.

An in vivo murine model of continuous intramedullary infusion of polyethylene particles

Wear debris affects both initial osseointegration and subsequent bone remodeling of total joint replacements (TJRs). To study the complex cascade associated with the continuous generation of particles, a robust animal model is essential. To date, an animal model that incorporates continuously delivered particles to an intramedullary orthopaedic implant has not been available. In this study, we successfully infused clinically relevant ultra high molecular weight polyethylene particles, previously isolated from joint simulator tests, to the intramedullary space of the mouse femur for 4 weeks using a subcutaneous osmotic pump. Reduction of bone volume following the 4-week infusion of UHMWPE was detected by microCT. UHMWPE particles also changed the level of Alkaline Phosphatase expression in the infused femurs. Continuous infusion of particles to the murine bone–implant interface simulated the clinical scenario of local polymer wear particle generation and delivery in humans and can be used to further study the biological processes associated with wear debris particles.

Sliding wear response of zinc based alloy as affected by suspended solid lubricant particles in oil lubricant

Wear behaviour of a zinc based alloy has been studied in partially lubricated condition. The test environment comprised a mixture of oil plus graphite/talc particles. The composition of the lubricant mixture was varied by changing the concentration of the solid lubricant particles suspended in the oil lubricant. Wear response of the alloy was noted to improve in terms of decreased wear rate, frictional heating and friction coefficient initially with the increasing concentration of the solid lubricant particles suspended in the oil lubricant. A critical content of the solid lubricant led to the best wear performance of the samples. This was followed by a reversal in the trend at concentrations of the solid lubricant particles in the lubricant mixture that were greater than the critical one. Wear behaviour of the alloy has been substantiated through the characteristics of wear surfaces, subsurface regions and debris particles.