Abstract
Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is effectively a high density polyethylene with a molecular weight in excess of 3 × 106 g/mol. Whilst it is chemically identical to HDPE, the large chain length of UHMWPE confers on it the greatest abrasion resistance of any similar thermoplastic, with other favourable properties such as low coefficient of friction and high impact resistance. As UHMWPE also has good biocompatibility, it is commonly used as a prosthetic material, particularly as bearing surfaces in hip and knee replacements, Figure 1.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
xffoJ Dawson, S G Burnay, P S Unwin. Oxidation Profiling of Radiation Sterilised Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Medical Devices. AEA-TPD-397 AEA Technology Report (AEA-DOH Agreement 73/93) 1995
K T Gillen, J Wise & G M Malone, “Explanation of enhanced mechanical degradation rate for radiation-aged polyolefins as the ageing temperature is decreased”, 208th ACS National Meeting, Washington DC, USA (1994) p. 1491
C.Rimnac, R Klein, A Burnsten, T Wright and T Santner. Proc 40th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, New Orleans, Volume19, Section 1, p 173,1994
DC Sun, C Stark and JH Dumbleton.Trans 40th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, New Orleans, Volumel9, Section 1,p 173,1994
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2001 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Dawson, J. (2001). The Effects of Gamma Radiation Sterilisation on Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. In: Mallinson, L.G. (eds) Ageing Studies and Lifetime Extension of Materials. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1215-8_16
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1215-8_16
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-5444-4
Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-1215-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive