Observation of salt impurities in ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)

摘要

Different direct molded ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene(UHMWPE) samples have been investigatedusing reflective light microscopy and scanning electronmicroscope techniques(low voltage and variable pressure SEM).On the surfaces as well as throughout the material a -to the best ofour knowledge—unknown type of impurities has been identified.X-ray element analysis (EDX) was used to characterise theseimpurities as sodium chloride and potassium chloride salt inclusions.