What is the value of coefficient of friction of Tantalum on UHMPWE, which is generally used in Knee Implants? Is there significant change in the value of frictional coefficient with increase in number of cycles?
For UHMWPE and ball bearing steel pair loaded by 5N normal force at 0.3 m/s sliding speed coefficient of friction was 0.14. I do not believe tantalum would behave too much different being rubbed against the polymer as compared to steel.
I think the coefficient of friction of tantalum on polyethylene is higher that steel on polyethylene. That's why currently modular porous tantalum shells are used successfully for acetabular reconstruction as a new alternative to structural bony grafts or titanium mesh. The porous tantalum is thought to be better integrated in the bone defect . These tantalum shells are supplied with a locking mechanism for a modular polyethylene liner for articulation with the prosthesis head (steel or ceramic)
No doubt that porous tantalum would demonstrate higher fricion. Porous structures are intended for osteoblasts growth and in this case pore edges would cut the polymer thus increasing the friction force. However, strictly speaking, such a friction coefficient can not be called so. I
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