Mechanical and tribological properties of tricalcium phosphate reinforced with fluorapatite as coating for orthopedic implant

In this work, the tribological and mechanical behaviour of tricalcium phosphate-Fluorapatite (β-TCP-Fap) bioceramic was investigated. Indeed, the Fluorapatite was added to the tricalcium phosphate to improve its mechanical properties. The mixture of both powders is considered as a bioactive coating that is likely to be used in orthopaedic implants. The assays were conducted on the cylindrical blocs by compacting the mixture in a metal mould. The characteristics of the specimens were investigated with various methods, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nanoindentation and a ball-disk tribometer. The lowest volume wear was measured for β-TCP-26.52%Fap biocomposites under dry condition. Hence, β-TCP-26.52%Fap specimens have revealed the best wear resistance properties. The results would be helpful to fully understand the effect of the addition of the Fluorapatite to β-TCP matrix on its tribological properties.