| The wear properties of oxidized and non-oxidized gamma-TiAl (a potential biomaterial) as well as Ti-6Al-4V and CP-Ti disks were studied and characterized by means of standard wear tests using a Bone pin arrangement. The Ti-base disks were oxidized in air at 500°C and 800°C for one hour. The tribological properties of the oxides formed over the disks were studied using a linear reciprocating wear testing machine under simulated biological conditions. Loss of metal oxide and coefficient of friction values were determined from the wear testing. From the results, abrasion, adhesion and tribomechanical fretting were defined as the primary wear mechanisms of the three alloys and the bone. The contact area of the disks was increased, thus reducing the oxide fracture and removal of material from their surfaces. Specifically, the oxide formed on gamma-TiAl possessed the highest wear resistance of the three materials which were studied. Also, as expected, bone wears down faster than the metal oxide. |
