Abstract |
Ion implantation may provide medical polyethylenes with excellent mechanical and tribological properties, helping to lower the risk of long-term osteolysis. Highly crosslinked and remelted polyethylenes, materials currently used as soft components in artificial joints, were implanted with N+ and He+ ions at different ion fluences. The mechanical and tribological properties under distilled water lubrication at body temperature were assessed after ion implantation by means of microhardness and pin-on-disc tests respectively. Thus, the influences of the ionic species and implantation dose on surface hardness, friction coefficient, and wear factor were fully characterized. Furthermore, the tribological behaviour was evaluated after an accelerated ageing protocol (120 degrees C for 36h). Ion implantation increased the surface hardness, as well as friction coefficients, and decreased the wear factors especially at the highest doses. Also, even though all artificially aged materials showed a worse wear behaviour, polyethylenes implanted with either N+ or He+ at the highest doses maintained a relatively good wear factor in comparison with the aged non-implanted material. The origins of these modifications are discussed according to the effects of ion implantation on the microstructure of the polymer.
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Authors | F J Medel, J A Puértolas |
Journal | Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part H, Journal of engineering in medicine
(Proc Inst Mech Eng H)
Vol. 222
Issue 6
Pg. 877-85
(Aug 2008)
ISSN: 0954-4119 [Print] England |
PMID | 18935804
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Biocompatible Materials
- Cross-Linking Reagents
- Ions
- Polyethylenes
- ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene
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Topics |
- Biocompatible Materials
(chemistry)
- Cross-Linking Reagents
(chemistry)
- Elasticity
- Friction
- Hardness
- Hot Temperature
- Ions
- Lubrication
- Materials Testing
- Polyethylenes
(chemistry)
- Stress, Mechanical
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