Radiation induced sterilization of polymeric materials for medical implants—I. Radiation-induced damage in irradiated polymethylmethacrylate

Polymeric materials in medical implants must tolerate the sterilization step. Irradiation is the preferred sterilization method, except for possible long-term degradation processes which may proceed after the implantation and endanger the reliable functioning of polymeric materials in medical device...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of radiation applications and instrumentation. Part C, Radiation physics and chemistry Radiation physics and chemistry, 1991, Vol.38 (6), p.565-572
Main Authors: Livne, Z., Haruvy, Y., Lao, N., Ryeom, M., Mueller, E.P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Physical properties
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Properties and testing
Radiation influence
Technology of polymers
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Summary:Polymeric materials in medical implants must tolerate the sterilization step. Irradiation is the preferred sterilization method, except for possible long-term degradation processes which may proceed after the implantation and endanger the reliable functioning of polymeric materials in medical devices. The scope and complexity of the long-term degradation problem are demonstrated, using irradiated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) samples of various compositions. Further, the variance of damage routes and the consequent failure modes are discussed. The conclusional rationale is that forecasting of the radiation-induced in vivo long-term degradation is unrealistic. An alternative route to solve this problem is suggested, established on the total elimination of the long-term degradation processes.
ISSN:1359-0197
1878-1020
DOI:10.1016/1359-0197(91)90084-F