Quasi-static and dynamic nanoindentation studies on highly crosslinked ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene
Abstract
In four separate studies, the effect of three methods used to highly crosslink ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) (gamma irradiation, electron beam irradiation, and peroxide treatment) on the polymer's stiffness was investigated using quasi-static and dynamic nanoindentation. From the quasi-static studies, it was found that (a) the highest value of the elastic modulus, E (2240±157MPa) was obtained from specimens prepared from direct compression molded UHMWPE crosslinked using gamma irradiation, with a dosage of 7.5Mrad; (b) the value of E for specimens formed from direct compression molded UHMWPE was higher (1950±255MPa) compared to results obtained from specimens formed from ram extruded UHMWPE (1583±140MPa); and (c) the magnitude of the decrease in the value of E as a result of subjecting a highly crosslinked UHMWPE specimen to uniaxial tensile forces depends on the method used for the crosslinking. From the dynamic study, (d) it was found that the extent of the change in both the storage modulus and the loss modulus, as a result of subjecting a highly crosslinked UHMWPE specimen to uniaxial tension forces, depends on the method used for the crosslinking. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Title
Biomaterials
Recommended Citation
Park, K., Mishra, S., Lewis, G., Losby, J., Fan, Z., & Park, J. (2004). Quasi-static and dynamic nanoindentation studies on highly crosslinked ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Biomaterials, 25 (12), 2427-2436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2003.09.014
