Wear performance of laser processed tantalum coatings

This first generation investigation evaluates the in vitro tribological performance of laser-processed Ta coatings on Ti for load-bearing implant applications. Linear reciprocating wear tests in simulated body fluid showed one order of magnitude less wear rate, of the order of 10− 4 mm3(N.m)− 1, for Ta coatings compared to Ti. Our results demonstrate that Ta coatings can potentially minimize the early-stage bone-implant interface micro-motion induced wear debris generation due to their excellent bioactivity comparable to that of hydroxyapatite (HA), high wear resistance and toughness compared to popular HA coatings.

► In vitro wear performance of laser processed Ta coatings on Ti was evaluated. ► Wear tests in SBF showed one order of magnitude less wear for Ta coatings than Ti. ► Ta coatings can minimize early-stage micro-motion induced wear debris generation.