Fretting corrosion damage of total hip prosthesis: Friction coefficient and damage rate constant approach

This paper analyzes friction coefficient evolution between materials related to total hip prosthesis. Fretting corrosion tests were conducted with stainless steel and poly(methyl methacrylate) interacting surfaces. In the course of fretting corrosion tests, the Coulomb friction coefficient is determined as a function of the number of cycles. It was found that the friction coefficient growth rate can be expressed as a power-law function. The influences of ionic strength, applied potential, pH, and albumin content on fretting corrosion were then investigated on the basis of the evolution of the friction coefficient. Finally, we identify the damage rate constant as being relevant for linking the mechanical and chemical parameters in the evolution of damage. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.