Aluminas with dispersoids. Tribologic properties and in vivo aging

Three base alumina ceramics with dispersoids: monoclinic zirconia alumina (A5Z), tetragonal zirconia alumina (A20Z) and aluminalon (Aa20) have been investigated because of their improved mechanical properties with reference to pure alumina (AI203). Bending strength and fracture toughness are twice higher than alumina for the most toughened. These two parameters were measured by four-points bending tests after 1 week, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 months of non loaded in vivo aging in wistar rats. They showed a little decrease for AI203 and Aa20 and a total stability for A5Z and A20Z even after one year. For tribologic study of the ceramic/polyethylene combination, cylinder against plane and pin on flat tests were conducted on an alternative movement with hip parameters of speed and load in presence of ringer solution. For the most representative test (pin on disk), the friction coefficients were nearly the same for all materials but UHMWPE wear volume was twice lower against A20Z than against AI203. A20Z/UHMWPE combination would be very interesting as new friction couple for total hip arthroplasty. Further studies are currently conducted.