Biotribology Lab

The Clemson University Biotribology Lab and testing facility is located in the Rhodes Research Center of the Department of Bioengineering. The primary focus of the laboratory is the characterization and analysis of biomaterials and orthopeadic implant bearing surface wear. This effort is directed by Dr. Martine LaBerge, and the laboratory currently facilitates the research endeavors and academic accreditation of many graduate students, research associates and clinical colleagues in the department.

Housed within the laboratory are a wide range of experimental testing and analysis instrumentation for the elucidation of biomaterial wear behavior. For basic materials wear and mechanical characterization, the laboratory utilizes three pin-on-disc wear testing machines, two reciprocating friction tables, a low modulus materials testing system (Vitrodyne V-1000 with 150g, 500g, 5lb and 10lb load cells) and a new 6 station multi-directional Cross Shear machine.

Characterization of biomaterial surface characteristics is performed using sophisticated measurement instrumentation; including a non-contact surface profilometer with 1.5X, 20X and 100X magnification heads (Topo-3D, 2D by Wyko Corporation) and the NT-2000 non contact surface profilometer (Wyko Corp.) with a vertical scanning range of 1nm to 500um Ra.

Fabrication of polymers is performed using Carver Hot presses with a cooling system permitting to control the annealing of polymer specimens fabricated are also in use in our facilities (max 800?F and 10,000 lbs).


A Dektak 3 contact profilometer is also available through the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering with diamond stylus lower than 2.5 µm in diameter. All systems are equipped with a data acquisition system (LabVIEW by National Instruments or the system's own data acquisition system). Together, these tools allow researchers in the department to gain a more thorough understanding of biomaterial wear, composition, fabrication and in-vivo interaction.


The laboratory has recently taken the step towards a more comprehensive study of orthopeadic implant bearing surface wear through the acquisition of two 4 station Stanmore/Instron knee wear testing simulators.

Using a 6-channel miniature hip joint simulator, the mechanical properties of new orthopeadic implant designs can be evaluated over long-term physiologic testing conditions and the influence of aberrant loading conditions and clinical factors can be studied in detail.

The use of these simulating machines allows the laboratory to gain further insight into not only the influence of the materials used in these implants on wear, but also how these materials are used in the development of implant designs and geometries that allow patients to live more active and productive lives.

Industrial/Clinical/Academic Collaboration:

Graduate Students & Research Associates