Title: Reduction in wear loss of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composite under human body temperature

Authors: N.A. Ravivardhan; T. Jagadish

Addresses: Siemens Energy, Gurugram, Haryana 122015, India ' DHIO Research and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560010, India

Abstract: Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a standard material used in artificial joints, generates wear debris when used in total hip replacement. In this study UHMWPE polymer reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) has been developed to enhance the wear resistance property of the material. The compressed composite specimens were subjected to wear test at different load under room temperature (~2°C) and at 4°C, i.e., close to human body temperature. This is the first report on the effect of human body temperature on wear properties of composite materials. Wear properties were studied for UHMWPE and UHMWPE-MWCNT composites. The study has confirmed a reduction in wear loss of UHMWPE by reinforcement with MWCNT and a high-level reduction in wear loss of the composite materials on exposure to human body temperature. The findings of this study will make great contribution to joint transplantation therapy by providing valuable input regarding wear-resistant implant material.

Keywords: composites; ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene; UHMWPE; biomaterials; multi-walled carbon nanotubes; MWCNT; wear loss.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2023.132885

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2023 Vol.42 No.4, pp.368 - 376

Received: 12 Jul 2021
Accepted: 31 Oct 2021
Published online: 14 Aug 2023 *

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