Abstract

This study presents the bio-tribological analysis of Ti3C2Tx-reinforced CoCrMo matrix composites fabricated by laser beam powder bed fusion. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the structural and functional integrity during metal matrix composite (MMC) fabrication, while Vickers hardness increased with Ti3C2Tx content. Together with roughness and wettability, Ti3C2Tx-reinforced CoCrMo composites create a favorable balance between hardness, surface roughness, and hydrophilicity, making them suitable for biomedical applications. Bio-tribological analyses under dry and substitute synovial body fluid (SBF)-lubricated conditions revealed a substantial wear reduction of 78 and 39% compared to reference. These findings underscore Ti3C2Tx' ability to mitigate wear through enhanced interfacial interactions and lubrication, promising advancements in biomedical implants. © The Author(s) 2025.