抄録
PVA hydrogel is a kind of prospective material as artificial cartilage. In the knee joint simulator test, PVA hydrogel performs low friction and low wear. Although under severe condition such as boundary or mixed lubrication, the wear is increased. Therefore it is necessary to investigate the wear properties of PVA hydrogel in severe condition. Lubricant containing protein was used in reciprocating test. Proteins made the boundary film on PVA hydrogel, and the wear was decreased. Protein boundary film on glass plate was observed in AFM. PVA hydrogel is soft material, so it was difficult to get clear images in AFM. Therefore glass plate was tested. Lubricant was contained albumin or γ-globulin as typical protein in synovial fluid. The boundary film of albumin was absorbed weaker than that of γ-globulin. In the lubricant mixed albumin and γ-globulin the wear was decreased so that the boundary film has low shear layer of albumin.
