Investigation of friction and surface degradation of innovative boundary lubricant functionalized hydrogel material for use as artificial articular cartilage

► Sliding wear properties of BLF hydrogels was investigated and compared to neat PVA. ► Wear was initiated in the hydrogels by chain slipping and fracture. ► Hydrogels against bovine cartilage displayed extremely low friction and wear. ► BLF hydrogels displayed improved tribological performance as compared to neat PVA.