Frictional Behaviour and Surface Topography Evolution of DLC‐Coated Biomedical Alloys

ABSTRACT Advanced engineering coatings offer a promising solution to enhance the longevity and performance of medical biomaterials in orthopaedic implants. This study hypothesises that diamond‐like carbon (DLC) coatings exhibit distinct frictional performance based on substrate and counterface material. Three different DLC coatings were tested using a pin‐on‐plate test in four material combinations. Virgin and DLC‐coated CoCrMo and Ti6Al4V pins were tested under sliding against UHMWPE and glass plates with simulated body fluid lubrication. Results revealed that coating composition significantly impacts frictional performance, with silicon‐ and oxygen‐doped coatings showing great potential to minimise friction. Surprisingly, reducing contact pressure had either a neutral or somewhat negative effect. Future investigations will focus on long‐term testing and lubrication analyses of these material combinations.