Rheological Properties and Its Effect on the Lubrication Mechanism of PVP K30 and PVP 40-50 G as Artificial Synovial Fluids

Abstract

The effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on the rheological properties of joint prostheses is still unclear, despite its good lubricity and biocompatibility. In the present work, PVP K30 and PVP 40-50 G solutions at different concentrations were analyzed for rheological and lubrication properties. The rheological properties of the samples were measured at a shear rate range of 0–1800 s−1 (advanced air bearing rheometer Bohlin Gemini 2 and Plate MCR 72/92 rheometer for PVP30 and PVP 40-50 G, respectively). It was found that both the viscosity and shear stress of the samples reduced with a shear rate increase. PVP 40-50 G/sterile water showed higher viscosity as compared to the PVP K30/sterile water sample at a lower shear rate. However, at a higher shear rate, the PVP K30 sample produced better results. Further numerical study results showed the pressure and molecular viscosity distributions. The inclusion of PVP improved the load caring capacity and hence, it is a promising lubrication additive for artificial joints.

Keywords

• synovial fluid
• PVP K30
• PVP 40-50 G
• rheology