Comparative analysis of the tribological characteristics of canine joint cartilage and UHMWPE-based biomimetic materials

We report the results of pin-on-disc friction and wear testing for canine shoulder and knee joint cartilages and UHMWPE-based biomimetic composites against stainless steel counter-body. The values of the friction coefficient for natural cartilage against carbon steel were found to lie around 0.01 for shoulder and 0.015 for knee joints. The orientation treatment and the incorporation of fluorinated carbon nanotubes applied to isotropic bulk UHMWPE caused both the reduction of the friction coefficient from ∼0.09 to ∼0.05, and as well as the decrease of wear rate down to 3 times.