Investigation of Nanostructured Thin Films Adhesion used to Improve Tribological Characteristics of Hip Prostheses

Abstract

Hip prosthesis is a complex mechanical biotribosystem with multiple functions. Under the action of cyclic dynamic loadings, developed in a biological adversely environment, it can lose the optimal functionality during the time. To improve mechanical characteristics of hip prostheses we deposited TiN films on SS316Lsteel substrates by pulse laser deposition method (PLD). Adhesion strength of the layer on the substrate was evaluated by scratch tests accompanied by different microscopy methods. Following these studies, we believe that the essential factor for increasing the hardness of femoral heads with thin layers is to provide a strong adherent coating to the substrate using PLD.

Keywords

• Hip prosthesis
• Thin films
• Nanostructures
• Adhesion
• Tribological properties