Synthesis and Wear Characterization of CNF-UHMWPE Nanocomposites for Orthopaedic Applications

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), also known as high-modulus polyethylene, (HMPE) is a type of tough thermoplastic polyethylene with high impact strength. It's been in use for over 40 years in hip and knee implant systems. However, wear debris produced by the UHMWPE results in bone resorption causing premature degradation of the artificial joint. Thus, there is a need to enhance the wear properties of UHMWPE to prolong the life of the implant system. Composite technology was considered to be a feasible option to improve the properties of the knee and hip replacement bearing material. Paraffin assisted processing exhibits improved distribution of the carbon-nanofiber (CNF) among the UHMWPE when compared to conventional dry-mixed samples. Wear rate was also found to be lower when compared to dry-mixed samples. Wear rate and dispersion of the paraffin assisted melt mixed composites were found to be higher than samples produced by conventional methods.