Fretting behaviors of hot-pressed electrospun hydroxyapatite/poly(dl-lactide) fibrous composites as potential orthopedic implants

In situ grown composite fibers of hydroxyapatite (HA) and poly(dl-lactide) with uniaxial distribution were deposited layer-by-layer followed by hot pressing to obtain fibrous composites. The tribological profiles were clarified at low amplitude oscillatory motion as potential orthopedic implants. The inoculation of HA nanoparticles into fibrous composites lowered the coefficients of friction (COFs) and wear rates, and the hardness of HA layers and rolling effect of HA particles further improved the wear resistance. The COFs and wear rates were significantly lower when fretting along the fiber orientation than those when the slide direction was perpendicular to the fiber alignment.

► Fretting profiles of hot-pressed electrospun fibrous composites were clarified.
► The hardness and rolling effect of HA particles improved the wear resistance.
► The wear rates were significantly lower when fretting along the fiber orientation.
► Significantly lower wear rates under fretting tests in SBF than in air.
► The enhanced wear resistance suggests the potential use as orthopedic implants.