Optimizations of wear resistance and toughness of hydroxyapatite nickel free stainless steel new bio-composites for using in total joint replacement

The aim of this work was to produce novel bio-composites made of hydroxyapatite and nickel free stainless steel (prepared by heat treating bone ash) and studying their mechanical properties including their tribology under various loads, toughness, and compressive and bending strengths. Different amounts of nickel free stainless steel powder (30,40, 50 and 60 wt.%) was added to this hydroxyapatite powder to get bio-composites. Their hardness, wear resistance and friction coefficient, as a function of the metal (nickel free stainless steel) content were investigated. Hardness and wear resistance were decreased by increasing of the weight percentage of stainless steel, while friction coefficient was increased. Strength and toughness of composites increases considerably by increasing of NFSS content. The toughness enhancement is contributed mainly by crack bridging and plastic deformation of the nickel free stainless steel. The strengthening effect is contributed by both the matrix grain refinement and the toughness enhancement. According to results of all mechanical tests done on composites, composite with 50 wt.% nickel free stainless steel has the most appropriate mechanical properties among other composites for using in orthopaedic applications. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.