Abstract
We propose that polyvinyl formal (PVF) be used for artificial articular cartilage in total joint replacement. The PVF is made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Two types of PVF were provided to use tests. We estimated molecular structure of the PVF by FTIR analysis. A ball-on-plate reciprocating machine was used for investigation of the wear characteristic of PVF. The PVF plate was 3.0mm thick and stainless steel ball has a radius of 30mm. The constant load was 137N and average sliding speed was 20mm/sec. It proved that the difference of molecular structure, porous structure and its size of the PVF produce the variety of the wear characteristics. It is possible that we propose the proper cartilage for joint prosthesis, because the material properties of PVF can be modified in the manufacturing stage.
