Evaluation of tribological and biological properties of TaB2/PEEK composite coatings prepared by electrodeposition

It is well-known that a lower wear rate, favorable mechanical properties, and limited inflammatory response are critical factors in determining the long-term service of orthopedic implants. In this study, we prepare TaB 2 /PEEK coatings by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of borated tantalum (TaB 2 ) and polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) particles on a pure titanium plate (TA2). Nanoindenter, reciprocating ball-on-disc tester, and in vitro biological experiments were used to investigate the effects of TaB 2 particles on the mechanical properties, tribological properties, and biological properties of composite coatings. The results demonstrate that a small amount of TaB 2 particles were equally dispersed in the PEEK matrix, and the mechanical properties are improved, resulting in better tribological properties of the coating. In particular, the wear rate of P-TB-3 coating in the simulated body fluid (SBF) was 72% lower than that of the PEEK coating, with a friction coefficient (COF) of 0.164 and a wear rate of 1.45 × 10 −6 mm 3 ·N −1 m −1 , respectively. Furthermore, the P-TB-3 surface boosted Raw264.7 macrophage adherence and proliferation, with a potential to promote Raw264.7 macrophage transition to the M2 phenotype. These results suggest that the P-TB-3 coating prepared by EPD is considered as a promising implant replacement material.