Orthopaedic biomaterials and tribology
Orthopaedic biomaterials and tribology research focuses on the measurement and prediction of friction, wear, and surface temperatures during sliding in mechanical components. Debris generation from polyethylene wear is considered the biggest problem facing joint replacement today. Current research on cross-linked polyethylene is targeting this problem which involves an analysis of the trade-offs between wear resistance achieved by cross links, and toughness and contact fatigue resistance of the polymer. Tribological studies of polymers analyze wear, contact fatigue and viscoelastic behavior in oscillatory sliding or rolling/sliding contact.