Ion implantation to reduce wear on polyethylene prosthetic devices. Rept. for Aug 89-Jan 91

Technical Report · Wed May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:6110658

Researchers studied the use of ion implantation to improve the wear performance of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). UHMWPE samples were implanted with high energy ions, tested for wear performance, and compared to unimplanted control samples. Surface friction and hardness measurements, Raman scattering, Rutherford backscattering (RBS), water contact angle, and film transfer tests were performed to characterize the surface property changes of implanted UHMWPE samples. Results indicated a 90% reduction in wear on implanted UHMWPE disks. Implantation increased surface microhardness and surface energy. The Raman spectrum revealed a diamond-like signature, indicting carbon bonds of a different nature than those found in unimplanted polyehtylene. Photographic analysis of pins used in wear testing revealed differences between implanted and unimplanted samples in the polyethylene film transferred in the initial stages of wear from the disk to the pin.

• Research Organization: Spire Corp., Bedford, MA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 6110658
• Report Number(s): PB-92-113927/XAB; FR-60137; CNN: NSF-ISI88-21894
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Sponsored by National Science Foundation, Washington, DC. Div. of Industrial Science and Technological Innovation
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
POLYETHYLENES
ION IMPLANTATION
WEAR
CARBON
CHROMIUM
COPPER
FRICTION
HARDNESS
RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
RAYLEIGH SCATTERING
SURFACE ENERGY
SURFACE FINISHING
TITANIUM
TRIBOLOGY
WATERPROOFING
COHERENT SCATTERING
ELEMENTS
ENERGY
FREE ENERGY
LASER SPECTROSCOPY
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
METALS
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLYMERS
POLYOLEFINS
SCATTERING
SPECTROSCOPY
SURFACE PROPERTIES
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
360605* - Materials- Radiation Effects
360603 - Materials- Properties