Friction/fretting-corrosion mechanisms: Current trends and outlooks for implants

Lifetime of orthopedic implants is a key issue for patient life and health issues all over the world. Metals used for implants were specifically submitted to friction/fretting corrosion processes; with a specific attention on the main differences between these two types of degradations. This study allows highlighting the best mechanical parameters in both cases of degradations. Free corrosion potential, or Open circuit potential, follows the trend of the chlorides content in the studied solution. Describing behaviors in terms of wear and morphologies of wear track area is the interesting point. Moreover the synergistic approach, contribution of wear on corrosion and vice versa is relevant for understanding the role of each mode of degradations. Theoretical and practical issues are related to understanding these phenomena and revealing insights for the future opportunities and challenges. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.