Effect of radiation sterilization and aging on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · J. Biomed. Mater. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.820150209· OSTI ID:6109757

Roe, R J; Grood, E S; Shastri, R; Gosselin, C A; Noyes, F R

The mechanical properties of polyethylene components used in prosthesis are altered after fabrication by the sterilization procedure and by the environmental and mechanical aging which occurs after implantation. To assess the importance and extent of these alterations, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylenes from two sources, Hercules 1900 and RCH 1000C, were subjected to gamma-ray irradiation and aging in serum and argon environments. Changes induced by these treatments in the structural and mechanical parameters have been determined by a variety of experimental techniques. The effect of irradiation is to introduce crosslinks and to increase the degree of crystallinity resulting in changes in the tensile properties in the direction of higher stiffness and reduced ductility. Aging for six months produced similar changes with subtle differences. The results suggest that the initially low degree of crystallinity which results from the sluggish mobility of the very long chain molecules offers the opportunity for significant changes in the properties during use in the long run.

• Research Organization: Department of Materials Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
• OSTI ID: 6109757
• Journal Information: J. Biomed. Mater. Res.; (United States), Vol. 15:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
POLYETHYLENES
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
GAMMA RADIATION
PROSTHESES
RADIOSTERILIZATION
STORAGE LIFE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
POLYMERS
POLYOLEFINS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
STERILIZATION
360406* - Materials- Polymers & Plastics- Radiation Effects- (-1987)