Effects of force and simulated body fluids on oxidative degradation and mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene

ABSTRACT

The change in oxidative degradation and mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) samples was evaluated. The percentage of crystallinity, chemical composition, and wetting properties were performed on different UHMWPE samples. Experimental results showed that the percentage of crystallinity and O/C ratio increased after immersion in simulated body fluids (SBF) for 5 years, and this resulted in lower mechanical properties. A coarse surface quality of UHMWPE surface caused lower contact angle and higher initial friction coefficient after the coeffect of force and SBF, but other mechanical properties changed little. The wear mechanism changed when immersed in SBF for 5 years.

KEYWORDS:

• Crystallinity
• oxidative degradation
• UHMWPE
• wear mechanism
• wettability