Title: Towards medical applications of self-lubricating coatings with fullerene-like (IF) WS₂ nanoparticles

Authors: G.R. Samorodnitzky-Naveh, M. Redlich, A. Katz, A.R. Adini, A. Gorodnev, L. Rapoport, A. Moshkovich, S.R. Cohen, R. Rosentsveig, J. Moshonov, B. Shay, R. Tenne

Addresses: Department of Materials and Interfaces, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel. ' Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department of Orthodontics, Hadassah-Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. ' Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department of Orthodontics, Hadassah-Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. ' Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; Department of Materials and Interfaces, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel. ' NanoMaterials Ltd, Weizmann Science Park, Nes Ziona 74140, Israel. ' Department of Science, Holon Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 305, Holon 58102, Israel. ' Department of Science, Holon Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 305, Holon 58102, Israel. ' Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel. ' Department of Materials and Interfaces, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel. ' Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department of Endodontics, Hadassah-Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. ' Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department of Endodontics, Hadassah-Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. ' Department of Materials and Interfaces, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel

Abstract: Medicine|s prime concern is first not to harm, thereafter elongate and benefit lifespan. The vast technological advances of the last decade permit implementation of minimal invasive medicine in the different medical disciplines. Laparoscopic procedures and intubations, stents insertion and joint replacement had become commonplace in the operating rooms. Overcoming wear and frictional forces in order to elevate treatment efficiency and diminish unwanted side effects is now a rising challenge in designing new medical appliances. Here, two kinds of self-lubricating metal coatings with impregnated fullerene-like (IF) nanoparticles of WS₂ are presented: cobalt films deposited on NiTi substrate (foils and orthodontic wires) and nickel films deposited on orthodontic wires made of stainless steel. Tribological and mechanical tests provide strong evidence for the efficacy of the coatings in reducing the static and kinetic friction. It is concluded that the use of these self-lubricating coatings may have important impact on ubiquitous medical procedures.

Keywords: NiTi; fullerene; self-lubricating coatings; metal coatings; friction; medical appliances; shape memory alloys; SMA; nickel titanium; orthopaedics; orthodontics; nanoparticles; nanotechnology; nanomaterials; fullerenes; cobalt films; nickel films; stainless steel.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNBM.2010.037802

International Journal of Nano and Biomaterials, 2010 Vol.3 No.2, pp.140 - 152

Published online: 30 Dec 2010 *

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