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ABSTRACT
Diamond-like carbon (DLC) and microdimples are two potential surface modification techniques that are extensively studied to be utilized in biotribological interfaces in order to reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate. However, in situ observation of bovine serum–lubricated DLC and microdimpled surface contacts are not well understood. In this study, a DLC-coated and a microdimpled steel ball rubbing against a Cr-coated glass disk, where 25% bovine serum was used as a lubricant and the temperature was maintained at 37°C, were investigated. The behaviors of ithe nterface were ca`ptured using optical interferometry and the friction coefficients were simultaneously measured using a torque sensor. The experimental results reveal that DLC/glass sliding is scuffing-free, with a lower friction coefficient; however, the formation of a lubricating film is insignificant. On the other hand, the dimples retained lubrication and, as a result, the wear of the glass disk was minimized; however, the friction coefficient was not reduced. Therefore, DLC and microdimples individually have few improved tribological features, but their combination should be considered to maximize performance.
Funding
This work was supported by the Excellent Young Researcher Project (CZ.1.07/2.3.00/30.0039) from Brno University of Technology, the CEITEC–Central European Institute of Technology (CZ.1.05/1.1.00/02.0068) financed by the European Regional Development Fund, and the project “The Influence of Joint Fluid Composition on Formation of Lubricating Film in THA” (NT/14267-3/2013) financed by the Internal Grant Agency of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic.