ISSN: 1546-962X
Published Online: 5 January 2004
Page Count: 11

The Effects of Raw Material, Irradiation Dose, and Irradiation Source on Crosslinking of UHMWPE
Greer, KW
Principal Scientist, Principal Scientist, and Team Leader, Research Department, DePuy Orthopaedics, IN

King, RS
Principal Scientist, Principal Scientist, and Team Leader, Research Department, DePuy Orthopaedics, IN

Chan, FW
Principal Scientist, Principal Scientist, and Team Leader, Research Department, DePuy Orthopaedics, IN

(Received 10 September 2002; accepted 12 February 2003)

Abstract

Four Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) materials were evaluated after various irradiation crosslinking processes to determine the effects of the materials and processes on their properties for orthopaedic applications. The materials and processes included two molecular weight materials (GUR 1020 and GUR 1050), two fabricated forms (ram extruded bar and compression-molded sheet), two irradiation sources (gamma and e-beam) and multiple irradiation doses ranging from 30–120 kGy. Increasing irradiation dose led to increased crosslinking, decreased wear, and decreased toughness. The molecular weight of the starting material and the irradiation source both had effects on the final properties while the fabricated form did not. Wear testing of selected groups indicated that there was a direct correlation with irradiation dose but not with the crosslink density (as calculated from the swell ratio).

Keywords:
ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, gamma irradiation, e-beam irradiation, crosslinking, Fourier-Transform infrared analysis, density, tensile properties, Izod impact, wear testing, orthopaedic medical devices, total joint replacement

Paper ID: JAI11217
DOI: 10.1520/JAI11217
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