Developmental Study of Artificial Joints with Anti-Wear Titanium Alloy

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1. We developed the wear resistant titanium alloy by crystallizing the TiC fine particles on the surface of highly ductile base metal with beta-Ti alloy phase. This alloy is not only an anti-wear material but also decreases wear of mating materials. The wear resistant surface layr is attached on the beta-Ti alloy base metal by the PTA welding procedure.2. We measured friction and wear of wear resistant titanium alloy against ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The results were compared with those with SUS-316, Ti-6Al-4V, beta-Ti alloy, bitalium, almina and titanium alloy nitride. The wear rate of the UHMWPE against wear resistant titanium was slightly higher than that against alumia, as low as that against bitalium, and lower than those against the other materials.3. When polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was used in the wear test instead of UHMWPE in order to simulate the inlet of bone cement., the color or the medium turned to be black for the cases with Ti-6Al-4V and beta-Ti alloy due to severe abrasive wear. The wear resistant titanium alloy did not show such phenomenon and the wear rate was as low as the case with bitalium.4. The wear resistant titanium alloy can be used to the sliding parts in artificial joints. If the surface roughness is improved, the wear rate of polymers may decreases to be less than the case with alumina. It was found that the wear resistant titanium is high performance not only against UHMWPE but also against natural and artificial cartilage.