Plasma Vapour Deposited Titanium Nitride for Biomedical Applications

Metals, polymers, ceramics and composite materials are used for bio medical applications based on their bio compatible properties. It is essential to ascertain their mechanical and tribological properties in specific environments, like the human hip and knee joints. Metallic materials like stainless steel are appropriate choices for implants, due to their non toxicity, inertness and favourable mechanical properties. Stainless Steel (SS) 316L has better corrosion resistance and its surface properties are improved by cathodic arc TiN deposition. Alternative preferences like polyethylene, polycarbonates and their composites are taken in to account for bone joint contact boundaries. Ultra High Molecular Weight Poly Ethylene (UHMWPE) is a commonly used biocompatible polymeric material, but it is subjected to creep under high loading conditions. Sterilization through gamma rays (¿-irradiation) improves the hardness, fracture toughness, and scratch resistance of the material. The frictional wear behaviour of the ¿-irradiated TiN surface is studied for orthopedic implant application.