A novel method of cross-linking ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene to improve wear, reduce oxidation, and retain mechanical properties

Increasing cross-linking has been shown in vitro and in vivo to improve markedly the wear resistance of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The reduction in the mechanical properties of polyethylene under certain methods used to produce cross-linking has been a concern, however. These...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of arthroplasty 2001-02, Vol.16 (2), p.149-160
Main Authors: Muratoglu, Orhun K., Bragdon, Charles R., O'Connor, Daniel O., Jasty, Murali, Harris, William H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
cross-linking
mechanical properties
oxidation resistance
ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene
wear
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Summary:Increasing cross-linking has been shown in vitro and in vivo to improve markedly the wear resistance of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The reduction in the mechanical properties of polyethylene under certain methods used to produce cross-linking has been a concern, however. These reductions are known to result from the processes used to increase the cross-link density and could affect the device performance in vivo. We present a novel method of increasing the cross-link density of UHMWPE in which UHMWPE is irradiated in air at an elevated temperature with a high-dose-rate electron beam and subsequently is melt-annealed. This treatment improves markedly the wear resistance of the polymer as tested in a hip simulator, while maintaining the mechanical properties of the material within national and international standards. This method leads to the absence of detectable free radicals in the polymer and, as a result, excellent resistance to oxidation of the polymer.
ISSN:0883-5403
1532-8406
DOI:10.1054/arth.2001.20540