Improvements to UHMWPE

Presenter Information

Brooke McKelvogue, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 253/4/5

Start Date

5-4-2010 10:00 AM

End Date

5-4-2010 12:00 PM

Student's Major

Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Patrick Tebbe

Mentor's Department

Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a material used in artificial implants for articular joint replacements. However, these implants have a limited lifespan in which the patient will be pain-free due to the wear of the UHMWPE components. Recently crosslinking has been used to extend the wear resistance of UHMWPE. Although crosslinking introduces another set of drawbacks; mainly the reduction of the fracture toughness of UHMWPE and the generation of free radicals which leave the polymer vulnerable to damage from oxidation. Currently, research is being conducted on other methods to increase the wear resistance of UHMWPE including the introduction of filler particles into the polymer and lubrication or other cushioning methods that could make the implant more like a natural joint. This project is a review of the current research.