Effects of counterface surface texturing on wear behaviour of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene used in artificial joints

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of counterface surface texturing on the wear behaviour and particle morphology of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) used in artificial joints. A pin-on-disc wear tester was employed to evaluate four types of polyethylene, including virgin and vitamin E-stabilised variants, with and without gamma-ray irradiation. Surface texturing on Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy counterfaces fabricated using micro slurry-jet erosion (a type of wet blasting technique) reduced the gravimetric wear of polyethylene, particularly in vitamin E-stabilised and gamma-irradiated samples. Textured surfaces facilitated the accumulation of polyethylene transfer films, which occasionally detached to form larger wear particles. However, the effectiveness of this mechanism varied with polyethylene composition. Gamma irradiation enhanced wear resistance through polymer cross-linking but increased material brittleness, limiting its compatibility with textured surfaces. Vitamin E reduced wear through boundary lubrication effects but inhibited transfer film formation, leading to smaller particle sizes in textured conditions. Morphological analysis of wear particles revealed significant differences in particle size, with textured surfaces generating larger particles in most cases. This study highlights the complex interplay between polyethylene properties—such as cross-linking and antioxidant stabilisation—and surface texturing in determining wear performance. These findings underscore the potential of surface texturing to optimise wear resistance and reduce peri-implant osteolysis caused by polyethylene debris. Future work should focus on refining texturing patterns and material properties to enhance the longevity and performance of artificial joint materials.