Wear evaluation of three-dimensionally woven materials for use in a novel cartilage replacement

The wear behavior of three-dimensional woven materials is poorly understood and is of great concern for three-dimensional weaves intended for orthopedic use. This study focuses on the fiber material and weave pattern used at the bearing surface during accelerated life testing. Samples of polyester and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in orthogonal and satin weave patterns were subjected to pin-on-disk testing in a Deionized water bath while the mating surface was made from cobalt-chromium alloy. All samples showed steady wear except ones with a satin weave of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene at the bearing surface. These fabrics exhibited wear rates at three million cycles comparable to bulk non-crosslinked polyethylene found in the literature. These results indicate that with a proper pairing of weave pattern and fiber material, three-dimensional woven materials have the potential to be used in orthopedic articulating surfaces.