Effects of Annealing on UHMWPE Molecular Orientation

Published

January 1, 2000

Author(s)

S Sambasvian, Daniel A. Fischer, M C. Shen, John A. Tesk, Stephen M. Hsu

Abstract

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is the dominant material used in artificial joints due to its outstanding wear resistance. At the same time, UHMWPE wear debris has been found to contribute to the loosening of the im-plants. As life expectancy increases, there is an urgent need to improve the life of implants. Molding and annealing the UHMWPE at a safe elevated temperature have been demonstrated to result in increased mechanical strength. Cross-linking of UHMWPE has also been demonstrated to reduce wear significantly. We have previously measured molecular orientation as a function of wear motion. While the link between molecular orientation and wear has not been clearly established, molecular orientation has been recognized as an important parameter in wear resistance. This paper will examine the change of molecular orientation by annealing UHMWPE. Our technique utilizes soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy at a synchrotron beamline to char-acterize the molecular orientation of the UHMWPE surface layer.

Citation

Biomaterials

Volume

51

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

annealing, molecular orientation, synchrotron beam line, UHMWPE, wear, x-ray

Citation

Sambasvian, S. , Fischer, D. , Shen, M. , Tesk, J. and Hsu, S. (2000), Effects of Annealing on UHMWPE Molecular Orientation, Biomaterials, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=851641 (Accessed October 9, 2024)