Epoxy (SU-8) polymer composites with Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and Hyaluronic acid fillers for hip prosthetic implant application. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hirwani, Jaswant K.; Nishimura, Ryusei; Shinmori, Hironori; Morita, Takehiro; Sawae, Yoshinori; Sinha, Sujeet K.
• Is Part Of: Tribology international. Volume 167(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: SU-8 -- UHMWPE -- Hyaluronic acid -- Biotribology -- Hip joint implant -- Acetabular cup; Tribology -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2021.107399
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-679X

Abstract

Abstract: Inclusion of 25 wt% of UHMPWE particles to SU-8 improved the tribological properties and restricted crack propagation within the matrix. Further adding 0.2 wt% and 0.5 wt% of hyaluronic acid (HA) reduced friction and wear. Worn surface morphology revealed that the HA-filled composite has less damage and smoother appearance than the composite without HA. The phenomenon of HA lubrication was attributed to the lubricating film formation ability of HA. Also, HA induced hardness has positively influenced the wear rate of SU-8 composites. These promising results of SU-8/UHMWPE/HA composites make them potential candidate as future hip implant material. Highlights: Biotribological properties of Epoxy/UHMWPE/HA composites were evaluated against CoCrMo alloy. A new fine hole scale method was established for wear measurements of epoxy composites. Stretched out and plastically deformed UHMWPE particles improved the friction and wear performance of composite. The dual role of HA was identified as hardness improver and friction modifier for the epoxy composites. Based on friction and wear, optimized composite was found to be to be UH25HA02 and UH25HA05 respectively.