THE INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ON THE TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF THE Ti13Nb13Zr ALLOY

The paper presents the results of tribological tests of the Ti13Nb13Zr titanium alloy carried out in the conditions of lubrication with liquids simulating body fluids. Artificial saliva solutions were used for the tests. Two pH values were used - 7,0 characteristic of a healthy organism and 4,9 typical for the presence of inflammation. The counter sample in the tested friction nodes were Al O balls with a diameter of 6 mm loaded with a normal force of 1 N. The 2 3 tests obtained showed a strong influence of environmental conditions on the tribological properties of the Ti13Nb13Zr titanium alloy. This applies to both the value of the coefficient of friction and linear wear. In the case of tests carried out under lubrication conditions with an artificial saliva solution at pH 7,0 they were 0,47 and 31,1 & mu; m, respectively; in the case of a fluid at pH 4,9 they were 25 % and 45 % higher (0,62 and 65,6 & mu;m).