Wear And Frictional Behavior Of Surface-Treated Titanium Alloys For Biomedical Implants

Abstract

Titanium and its alloys are widely utilized in biomedical implants due to their exceptional biocompatibility, high strength-to-weight ratio, and corrosion resistance. However, their relatively poor wear and frictional behavior under physiological conditions limits their long-term performance in load-bearing applications. This study investigates the influence of various surface treatment techniques—including plasma nitriding, anodization, and laser surface texturing—on the tribological performance of titanium alloys. Detailed experimental evaluation was conducted using a ball-on-disc tribometer under simulated body fluid conditions to replicate in vivo environments. Surface morphology, microstructure, and phase composition were analyzed using SEM, XRD, and AFM techniques. Results reveal that surface-treated samples exhibit significantly reduced wear rates and friction coefficients compared to untreated alloys. Plasma nitrided surfaces showed the highest hardness and wear resistance, while laser texturing provided superior lubrication retention, minimizing friction. This research demonstrates that optimized surface modifications can substantially enhance the tribological properties of titanium alloys, offering improved longevity and reliability for biomedical implants.