Tribological characterization of cortical bone against 316 stainless steel during dry sliding

Abstract In surgery, the friction between the cortical bone and the metal instruments cause bone cells damage, which would affect the stability of intraosseous implants. In the present work, the tribological characterization of cortical bone against 316 stainless steel during dry sliding condition was investigated by pin-on-disk tests. Finite element method was used to monitor the change of friction temperature with vibration assistance. The wear mechanism of the bone sample and the 316 stainless steel had been analyzed and discussed. The results show that the friction coefficient decrease with the increasing of load, the wear rate and the friction temperature increase. While, the friction coefficient, the wear rate and the friction temperature are increased with the increase of sliding speed, respectively. Moreover, the friction temperature with vibration assisted is lower than that in the normal friction process. Adhesive and abrasive wear behavior are the main wear mechanisms of the cortical bone against 316 stainless steel during the test. The results in this paper provide guidance for the selection of parameters during bone cutting, which has great significance for the improvement of implant stability.