A biotribo-acoustic testing method for ceramic orthopaedic biomaterials

• The noverlty of the study is the combination of biotribology and acoustics.
• We develop a new biotribo-acoustic testing system for orthopaedic biomaterials.
• We propose a biotribo-acoustic testing methodology for CoC wear couples.
• Correlationship between the biotribological and acoustic data can be reestablished.
• Validation tests confirm the system is sufficient for the biotribo-acoustic study.

A new biotribo-acoustic testing system for orthopaedic biomaterials was developed and validated. Experiments on the biotribo-acoustic testing methodology, especially for ceramic-on-ceramic biomaterial wear couples, were carried out via this testing system. Deionized water and biomimetic synovial fluids (BSF) were chosen as two lubricants in the tests. The results showed that the coefficient of friction agreed well with the sound pressure and sound power. The correlation between the biotribological and acoustic data was established in vitro. The difference in wear mechanisms was distinguished. A potential solution can be provided to investigate the biotribological and acoustic properties of orthopaedic biomaterials in vitro.

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