Mazan Al Hajjar

Synopsis

The Science of tribology plays a significant role in the development of various medical device including artificial joints, cardiovascular devices and contact lenses. Understanding the wear behaviour, the friction factor and the lubrication regimes in these systems are essential to their functionality and optimisation. Over the years, for example, the polyethylene materials used in joint replacement have evolved to reduce the wear rates and reduce revision rates. Although the wear mechanism of current materials is well understood, further understanding of the tribological behaviour of such materials under high demand and adverse conditions is needed with emphasis on complex revision surgeries. Advancement in computational modelling plays a key role in predicting the tribological performance of new devices and in helping optimising design and stratifying designs and patients. Manufacturing process is also evolving for a more sustainable future so tribological challenges must be considered alongside this development. Johnson and Johnson is committed to reducing carbon footprint, with the Tribology laboratory in Leeds, UK achieving Green Level Certification from My Green Lab. The scheme is recognized by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign as a key measure of progress towards a zero-carbon future, and a My Green Lab Certification is considered the gold standard for laboratory sustainability best practices around the world.

Bio

Dr Mazen Al Hajjar is a Principal Research Engineer at Johnson and Johnson MedTech. He is the tribology engineer lead on various joint replacement new product development projects. Mazen completed his PhD in the field of tribology of joint replacement in 2012 and continued undertaking research project in this area as a senior research fellow at the University of Leeds. He contributed to various research grant funding from EPSRC, WELMEC, Innovate UK and Horison2020. He moved to Johnson and Johnson MedTech Orthopaedics (DePuySynthes) in 2019 and currently work in the Tribology Lab. Dr Al Hajjar is also the Chair of ISO TC150/SC4 Bone and Joint Replacements technical committee.