Vitamin E can be used to hinder scissioning in radiation cross‐linked UHMWPE during high‐temperature melting. Issue 44 (4th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doshi, Brinda N.; Fu, Jun; Oral, Ebru; Muratoglu, Orhun K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 132:Issue 44(2015)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2015-08-04
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.42735
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>High‐temperature melting (HTM) of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was shown to improve its elongation and toughness. This was believed to be due to increased scissioning and increased diffusion of polymer chains. It was hypothesized here that the toughness of previously radiation cross‐linked UHMWPEs could also be improved by HTM. To test this hypothesis, the wear resistance, tensile mechanical properties, and Izod impact strength of radiation cross‐linked virgin (no additive) and antioxidant‐blended (with vitamin E) UHMWPEs were tested. The results suggested that although the impact strength of cross‐linked UHMWPEs could be improved significantly by HTM, the wear resistance was decreased. Thus, this procedure can be optimized to be especially suited in high‐stress applications, such as total knee replacements with lessened wear concerns. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. <bold>2015</bold>, <italic>132</italic>, 42735.</p> </abstract>