Selection of Molybdenum-Filled Hip Implant Material Using Grey Relational Analysis Method

Abstract

In this study, a series of implant material containing molybdenum of different weight percentages were fabricated via high temperature vertical vacuum casting induction furnace and examined their physical, mechanical and wear properties. The mechanical properties were tested by the micro-hardness tester and the compression testing machine, while the wear performance was analyzed through a pin-on-disc tribometer under different operating conditions at room temperature. Density, hardness, compressive strength and sliding wear were considered as criterions for this study. The proportions of alternatives consist of Co-30Cr as a base material and molybdenum as an alloying element which was varied from 0 to 4wt.%. Due to the conflict between the properties obtained, the Grey relational analysis method (GRA) was applied to choose the best material among the set of alternatives. From the results obtained, it was found that Co-30Cr implant material containing 4wt.%molybdenum provides the best combination of the properties for a given application (i.e. hip femoral head).