You have full access to this open access article. The presented study deals with the analysis of the tribological behaviour of the Ti6Al4V alloy manufactured conventionally. The study aimed to verify whether the titanium alloy is suitable for use as a contact material in small joint implants, as additive manufacturing of this alloy can in the future provide certain benefits, such as individualization and simplification of the implant construction, or controlled porosity.
The tested pair consisted of a pin and a glass plate lubricated with model synovial fluid. The contact area was observed with colorimetric interferometry. Alongside film thickness, friction, and wear scars were measured. From the designed experimental conditions, the titanium alloy was not able to create a sufficiently thick lubrication film to overcome its surface roughness and damage to contact surfaces occurred.
Friction was comparable for all the tested configurations. The application of conventionally manufactured titanium alloy as a contact surface in small joint implants seems to not be suitable since its performance fell short when compared to conventional cobaltous alloy. Nevertheless, there are various alternative methods available, such as unconventional manufacturing, polishing, surface texturing, and coating. Interventions, especially the replacements of human joints, have become a necessity for today's population.
The number of all joint replacements applied to the human body is rising every year. In the human body, there are various kinds of joints, and their full functionality is necessary for everyday life, for example, small joints, such as the big toe's first metatarsophalangeal joint first MTP joint. This joint is responsible for a person's stability and is the most stressed joint in the foot during normal movement activities.
Based on the study by Korim et al. Recently, mainly hallux valgus has been discussed, as many middle-aged women suffer from this deformity because it is closely associated with wearing tight shoes or high heels. There are two main approaches to treating these deformities. The first, which is mainly invasive, is arthrodesis fusion. This is a definitive and irreversible operation in which the affected joint is immobilized by fusing the bones together. The second option is joint arthroplasty.
