Speaker
Description
The development of robust preclinical evaluation techniques for orthopaedic implants is critical in light of recent high-profile implant failures and the increasing regulatory demands of EU MDR and FDA guidelines. This study introduces a novel framework integrating real-time wear-corrosion and wear debris analysis techniques for the comprehensive assessment of implant degradation mechanisms.
A bespoke tribometer, incorporating Acoustic Emission (AE) sensors, near-interface displacement sensors, and in situ electrochemical measurement systems, was developed to simulate and monitor wear-corrosion mechanisms under physiological and adverse conditions. Real-time data collection included coefficient of friction (CoF), electrochemical current, AE energy, and wear debris analysis using microfluidics and Raman spectroscopy.
Preliminary experiments using low-carbon CoCrMo samples paired with Al2O3 counter-surfaces under controlled loads and sliding conditions revealed critical insights into tribocorrosion behaviour. Real-time AE data demonstrated strong correlations with volumetric wear and corrosion currents, allowing predictive modelling of degradation. Post-test surface analyses confirmed the synergistic effects of wear and corrosion, identifying dominant wear mechanisms such as abrasive grooving and tribofilm formation. Wear debris characterisation using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) provided critical data on particle size, distribution, and chemical composition.
This framework establishes a pathway for real-time monitoring of tribocorrosion processes, offering enhanced precision in evaluating material degradation. The findings support the hypothesis that integrating multi-sensor approaches can significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of preclinical testing for implant systems. Future work will expand the methodology to clinically representative scenarios using advanced simulators and prolonged testing protocols. This innovation represents a step-change in orthopaedic implant evaluation, aiming to reduce testing timescales and improve patient outcomes.