Properties and fabrication of nanostructured 2Cr–Al2O3 composite for prosthetic bearing replacements

• The fracture toughness of 2Cr–Al2O3 composite was higher by 2.4 times than that of monolithic Al2O3.
• A highly dense nanostructured 2Cr–Al2O3 composite was simultaneously synthesized and consolidated within 3 min.
• The cell viability of the composite was very good.
• The wear resistance of the composite was very good.
• It would be worthwhile to consider 2Cr–Al2O3 composite as the possible replacement for prosthetic bearing.

Cr2O3 and Al powder were used as raw powders, and were milled by the high energy ball milling method. The nanostructured 2Cr–Al2O3 composite from the milled powder was both synthesized and densificated within a short time, by the pulsed current activated sintering (PCAS) apparatus. The relative density of the sintered 2Cr–Al2O3 composite was 99%. The hardness and the fracture toughness of the specimen were 1630 kg/mm2, and 9.3 MPa·m1/2, respectively. The weight loss of the composite was measured by a pin-on-disk type apparatus, without a lubricant. Lastly, the 2Cr–Al2O3 composite has a very good cell viability.