| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R79548/01 |
| Title: |
Enhanced Surface Engineering Solutions for Reduction of Polyethylene Wear in Total Artifical Joints |
| Principal Investigator: |
Fisher, Professor J |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Mechanical Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Leeds |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
02 July 2002 |
Ends: |
31 March 2003 |
Value (£): |
319,619
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Biomaterials |
Materials Characterisation |
| Materials Processing |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Wear of polyethylene in artificial hip and knee prostheses, which leads to wear debris induced osteolysis and loosening, is a major factor limiting the life time of current joint replacements. The properties of the femoral counterface articulating against the polyethylene insert are a critical determinant of wear. In particular, surface roughness and damage resistance are critically important. The majority of femoral counterfaces consist of polished metallic alloys. Although surface engineering solutions have been investigated in the past they have not resulted in widespread clinical applications. Thin coatings have limited durability while thick Arc Evaporative coatings have poor quality and surface roughness. lonbond have recently developed a novel gas RGCA PVD process which in pilot studies has shown up to a tenfold reduction in surface roughness and number of defects. In this project we will develop and functionally evaluate this process for CrN, CrCN and NbN treatments of femoral components. In particular, we will investigate relationships between process parameters and conditions and coating properties, and undertake an extensive range of functional and tribological evaluation studies in joint simulators. The three year applied research project will lead to subsequent product development programmes and clinical applications in both hip and knee prostheses.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.leeds.ac.uk |