Experimental analysis of wear behavior of a biocompatible bone implant

The present study investigated the wear properties of biocompatible Mg-5Zn-1Y-xCa alloy with different weight percentages of calcium. Experiments were performed in a simulator environment for loads of 10 to 40 N and a speed of 30 rpm at a constant distance of 100 m, using pin-to-disk method. The coefficient of friction and wear rates were measured and calculated in 5 steps and analyzed using graphing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analysis (EDS) images. The results showed a decrease in wear rate and coefficient of friction for increased loading in all the alloys studied. An increase in calcium content also showed a decrease in wear properties and the dominant wear mechanism in most samples was scratches. The calcium-free alloy sample showed the lowest coefficient of friction for the highest loading, while the lowest calcium alloy had the highest coefficient of friction. In addition, all wear rate values ​​ranged between 0.00019 and 0.00057 mm2, and for both factors of friction coefficient and wear rate, loading of 40 N was more uniform.