Wear Testing of Polymeric Materials by ASTM F732

Scope:

Wear Testing of Polymeric Materials by ASTM F732 test method is used to evaluate the friction and wear properties of combinations of materials that are being considered for use as the bearing surfaces of human total joint replacement prostheses. The standard test method, Wear Testing of Polymeric Materials Used in Total Joint Prostheses ASTM F732 is designed to evaluate combinations of materials with respect to the amount of polymer wear, where quantifiable wear occurs primarily on the polymeric component. This test method of ASTM F732 is intended to be performed in conjunction with pin-on-flatware machines.

Test Procedure:

The test method for ASTM F732 utilizes a flat-ended polymer cylinder upper specimen and a flat stainless steel lower counter face that is immersed in bovine blood serum. The load is applied downward onto the cylinder specimen. The flat lower specimen slides linearly, back and forth under the cylinder specimen. Wear is reported as volume loss of the polymeric specimen as a function of sliding distance. Volume loss is determined by dividing the measured weight loss by the density of the polymer. 

Specimen Size:

ASTM F732 polymer specimen length is 13 mm. Polymer specimen diameter is 9 mm.

Data:

Wear testing of polymeric material is reported in SI units or inch pounds.
Counterface surface finish: 0.026 to 0.05 μm.
This test method represents only an initial stage in full wear characterization of candidate material.