Abstract
Elementary micro-tribological test for UHMWPE modified with 15 wt% of Schiff base copper complex (Cu(II) chelate of bissalicylaldehyde-ethylenediamine rubbed by titanium alloy showed that a reduction of 20% friction coefficient when compared with the pure UHMWPE/titanium alloy pair under the condition of dry friction. Under a simulating loading level of an artificial hip joint, the highest frication coefficient of the modified UHMWPE pairing with steel was 15% lower than its pure UHMWPE/steel pairing counterpart. Furthermore, wear of the modified UHMWPE was very mild almost without any sign of worn debris even being run for a sufficiently long period, while the pure UHMWPE could run only for a very short period. Test results confirmed that the Cu(II) chelate of bissalicylaldehyde-ethylenediamine modifying UHMWPE was able to reduce friction, wear and debris during application. Besides excellent tribological characteristics, good biocompatibility of the modified UHMWPE was also demonstrated by a cell toxicity test in vitro. T Consequently, attempts to develop this modified UHMWPE for artificial joint is obviously beneficial.
The authors would like to express their gratitude to NSFC for its financial support (Project No. 50575164) and the partially financing support from a strategic research grant of City University of Hong Kong (Project No. CityU#7001429).
Notes
Note: When ∗P > 0.05, difference becomes statistically insignificant.