Wear of UHMWPE against nitrogen-ion-implanted and NbN-coated Co-Cr-Mo alloy formed by plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition for artificial joints

► The goal is to reduce the wear of UHMWPE in artificial joints. ► The nitrogen ions were pre-implanted on the surface of Co-Cr-Mo alloy using PIII&D. ► The hard NbN film was subsequently deposited on Co-Cr-Mo alloy using PIII&D. ► The volume wear rate of UHMWPE was reduced up to 48%. ► The life-time of artificial joints could be extended more than twice.