Tribological Study of Nano Copper-Hydroxyapatite Polyoxymethylene (nCuHAp POM) for Biomedical Applications

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is commonly used to improve biomedical temporomandibular joint (TMJ) implant bioactivity. In this research, a new biomaterial is developed suitable for biomedical TMJ implants. In this study, we investigated the tribological properties of polyoxymethylene (POM) composites with antibacterial copper-hydroxyapatite (CuHAp) as reinforcement. To confirm its usage in orthopedic biomechanics, tribology test was conducted on a 316L stainless steel plate with nano copper-hydroxyapatite (nCuHAp) added in various weight percentages (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%). Further, mechanical properties of samples were assessed using hardness test, microporosity, and roughness tests. Also, the cell proliferation test was conducted on the polymer samples to discuss the bioactivity of the polymer. The best result was shown at 2%, preferred for biomedical applications in the total implant replacement like temporomandibular joint.