Abstract
In this study, tribological performances of three alloys, 316 L, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo, used in manufacturing orthopedic implants, are compared. Wear tests were conducted on a reciprocating wear tester by rubbing an Al₂O₃ ball. It was found that the wear resistance of the 316 L and CoCrMo alloy was almost 2 and 24 times of the Ti6Al4V alloy, respectively, whose steady state friction coefficient lies between those of the 316 L and CoCrMo alloy. Examinations of wear tracks and contact surfaces of the Al₂O₃ ball revealed the dominant wear mechanisms as abrasive for CoCrMo and adhesive for 316 L and Ti6Al4V alloy. These observations confirmed that the favorably biocompatible characteristics of Ti6Al4V alloy was not accompanied by a resonable sliding contact performance. In this respect, surface modification is a necessity for load bearing Ti6Al4V implants to extend their durability in the human body to the levels of 316 L and/or CoCrMo implants.

Key words
CoCrMo, 316 L, Ti6Al4V, wear

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