Biotribolological behaviour of reinforced UHMWPE

• Carbon nanoforms exhibit exceptional physical and chemical properties due to their nano-scale dimensions. They also have very high aspect ratio which makes them an excellent reinforcement material for polymer composites. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the prime constituent of bone generation because of its ability to bond chemically with living bone tissues and positively affect the osteoblasts; this is due to its similar chemical composition and crystal structure to apatite in the human skeletal system. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is already used as implant material in high stress bearing areas such as hip and knee prosthesis. Wear debris of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene cause osteolysis which is a major reason of long-term failure of total hip replacements. In this study carbon nanoforms together with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were used as reinforcement in UHMWPE matrix in order to produce high strength and wear resistant biocomposite with better bioactivity character. Solvent casting and melt blending methods were used during the preparation of this bio-nano composite. The manufacturing process was studied using different characterization methods such as diferencial scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman-spectroscopy. The tribological behaviour of the manufactured bio-nano composite was studied using pin-on-plate method. Wear and friction of the produced novel composite were studied in different biological lubrications. Different lubrication affected the friction rate and wear, though the results were not statistically different. The reinforced UHMWPE showed superior tribology behaviour in comparison to pure UHMWPE (p>0.05).

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Tribologi (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Tribology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Machine Elements

Maskinelement

Centre - Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics (CMTF)

Centrumbildning - Centrum för medicinsk teknik och fysik (CMTF)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)