The mechanical‐chemical attachment between the artificial articular cartilage (PVA‐hydrogel) and metal substrate (or underlying bone)

Abstract

PVA‐hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility as well as preferable tribological characteristics as an artificial articular cartilage. One of the most difficult problems is the attachment of PVA‐hydrogel to the underlying bone (or metal substrate). In the present study, the micro‐mechanical attachment between the PVA‐hydrogel and metal fibre mesh was at first accomplished to obtain a composite artificial cartilage device (CACD), then the surface of fibre mesh is chemically bonded to the metal substrate (or underlying bone) by adhesive (PMMA). This method can be used to accomplish mechanical‐chemical attachment between composite artificial cartilage device and underlying bone (or metal substrate). Microstructure analysis and mechanical tests indicate that the CACD can be firmly bonded to the metal substrate (or underlying bone).