Comparison of the friction properties of four ceramic materials for joint replacements

As the loosening of a hip joint is caused by the tissue response to polyethylene wear particles, ceramic-ceramic joints are needed for long-term or permanent replacements. We have compared the start up and steady state friction of four ceramic materials against themselves lubricated with 1 wt.% water solution of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt (CMC-Na 1 wt.% water solution). The experimental results indicate that the coefficients of start up and steady state friction of silicon nitride-on-silicon nitride are the highest of the four ceramic materials, and the coefficients of start up and steady state friction of silicon carbide-on-silicon carbide are the lowest of the four ceramic materials (except at the low load of 40 N under the test conditions). (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.