| dc.description | Biomaterials surfaces need to be adequate to the function they perform; for this reason, the
importance of studying surface finish increases as design requirements grow, regarding
geometry and precision requirements in biomedical devices. These biomaterials are subject
to several types of premature failure, such as wear, fatigue, micro movements, particle
detachment and degradation, which may generate the need for new interventions.
Anodizing is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural
oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. Due to good biocompatibility, regular
arrangement of nanopores, ease of control of nanopore diameter, large specific surface
area, low cost, good thermal stability and, absence of toxicity, anodic aluminum oxide has
been studied. The geometric arrangement of nanopores makes it possible to use alumina as
a mold for the synthesis of several nanostructures that have many advantages in advanced
application areas due to their unique chemical, physical, mechanical and optical properties.
In the present work, the tribological behavior of samples of aluminum alloy AA6061
anodized in oxalic acid solution (C2H2O4) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) was evaluated. Prior to
the anodization stage, the samples were electrolytically polished in a solution of perchloric
acid and ethanol. For comparison reasons, pristine surfaces were also evaluated. The
sample's surfaces finishing was analyzed by laser confocal microscopy. Atomic force
microscopy was also used to evaluate samples roughness and topography. The wear tests
were carried out during 10 min, solid spheres of 52-100 chrome steel, with 2 mm in
diameter, were used as counter-bodies. The results indicated that the tribological behavior
is influenced by the anodized layer process parameters, and the wear rate is dependent of
the normal force and the roughness of each sample. | |
