UV irradiation and aging effects on nanoscale mechanical properties of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene for biomedical implants

H. Fouad Mohamed, A. H.I. Mourad, D. C. Barton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

As a result of its relatively high strength, high chemical resistance, low creep and low wear rate, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been widely used as the 'soft' articulating surface for total hip and knee arthroplasty. However, for long term artificial joint replacements, accelerated wear as a result of aging of UHMWPE is one of the most important problems that can lead to joint failure. Therefore, the present work Is focused on investigating the effects of thermal and serum aging and UV irradiation dose on the nanomechanical properties (elastic modulus, hardness and visco-elasticity) of UHMWPE (type GUR410) specimens under different deformation rates. The continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) nanoindentation technique Is used in the present work to measure the nanomechanical properties. The results show a considerable increase in the nanomechanical properties with increasing deformation rate. It is also demonstrated that the nanomechanical properties of the thermally and serum aged UHMWPE specimens decrease compared to the virgin specimens, while their visco-elastic behaviour increases. For the UV irradiated specimens, the nanohardness and nano-elastic modulus show an increase with irradiation dose especially for small penetration depths. Moreover, a considerable decrease in visco-elastic behaviour was observed for the UV irradiated specimens as a result of the crosslinking effect of the radiation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)346-352
Number of pages7
JournalPlastics, Rubber and Composites
Volume37
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2008

Keywords

  • Accelerated aging
  • Nanomechanical properties
  • UHMWPE
  • UV irradiation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Chemical Engineering(all)
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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