Study of the Radical Species Induced by Electron-Beam Irradiation in Vacuum on Biomedical UHMWPE

摘要

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a component of mobile prostheses. The irradiation performed to sterilize and cross-link the polymer limits its life because of the free radicals originated during this process. In this work, a UHMWPE was electron-beam irradiated under high vacuum and annealed. Mechanical tests were performed on the UHMWPE samples before and after the annealing treatment. The results were compared with a study of radical species type and amount and the crystalline degree changes. Experimental results show that the annealing treatment prevents degrading reactions, favors intermolecular and/or intramolecular chemical rearrangements, and improves wear resistance without compromising the typical elasto-plastic mechanical behavior.View full textDownload full textKeywordsEPR, Free radicals, Irradiation, Mechanical properties, Polyethylene (UHMWPE)Related var addthis_config = { ui_cobrand: "Taylor & Francis Online", services_compact: "citeulike,netvibes,twitter,technorati,delicious,linkedin,facebook,stumbleupon,digg,google,more", pubid: "ra-4dff56cd6bb1830b" }; Add to shortlist Link Permalink http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1023666X.2010.510109