Wear of Implant Materials – Polymer and Metal Wear Particles
Similar to ASTM F1877 and ASTM F561, in this standard, samples of test fluid are digested and filtered for polyethylene, ceramic or metal particles resulting from wear, fretting, or corrosion. Filtered particles are coated and carefully examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), where high definition images are taken for custom automated particle characterization. Particle characterization may include measurements of area, aspect ratio, form factor, roundness, length, perimeter, ferret average, and equivalent circular diameter. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) can also be performed for verification of elemental composition of particles.
