Wear behaviour of PMMA against 316L stainless steel under dry and lubricated conditions

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to gain a better understanding of wear behaviour of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in contact with 316L stainless steel under different conditions (dry condition, distilled water and Ringer's solution). PMMA is commonly used in low-stress sliding application against metal. The effects of applied load and frequency on the wear rate of PMMA against 316L stainless steel were examined. Design/Methodology/Approach – Tests were conducted under dry condition, in distilled water and in Ringer’s solution by using reciprocating wear machine. Worn surface morphology and composition was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Findings – PMMA wear rate increases with the increase in applied load, naturally. An increase in sliding frequency increases the wear rate under dry condition, but it decreases the wear rate in water and in Ringer’s solution. Originality value – The objective of the present work was to gain a better understanding of the wear behaviour of PMMA in contact with 316L stainless steel under different conditions (dry condition, distilled water and Ringer's solution). The effects of applied normal load and frequency on the wear rate of PMMA against 316L stainless steel at various conditions were examined experimentally. This information may have future implications for the design of materials which have a contact with physiological fluid in orthopeadic implants.