Alternative Polyethylentypen für Gleitflächen von Endoprothesen

Translated title of the contribution: Alternative Grades of Polyethylene for Articulating Surfaces in Joint Endoprostheses

Astrid Barbara Weitlaner

    Research output: ThesisDiploma Thesis

    Abstract

    The objective was to find and characterise alternative grades of polyethylene in articulating surfaces of joint endoprostheses. Plates made of UHMW-PE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene), strict linear Phillips-polyethylene and blends of both materials were sintered and subsequently crosslinked via electron beam irradiation (10 MeV, 50-150 kGy) in nitrogen atmosphere. Half of the specimens were annealed at 150°C in nitrogen for 2.5 hours. The level of crystallinity was determined with Differential-Scanning-Calorimetry. The solubility was measured in TCB with 0.03% BHT with cubical samples at a temperature of 160°C. The ratio of swelling and the crosslinking density were determined in p-xylene at 130°C with a swelling device. The molar mass and molar mass distribution was quantified by Size-Exclusion-Chromatography, at a temperature of 135°C and TCB as a solvent. The crystallinity of Phillips-PE was higher than that of UHMW-PE; no significant change concerning crystallinity could be observed due to irradiation; annealing over the melting point led to a decrease in crystallinity. The solubility after low dosages decreased significantly when UHMW-PE was added. This also led to a remarkable increase of the cross-link density. Higher irradiation rates led to lower solubilities; a complete cross-linking wasn't possible neither for the blends nor the neat PE. The SEC-measurement showed, that the addition was homogenous and the high molecular fraction was still detectable.
    Translated title of the contributionAlternative Grades of Polyethylene for Articulating Surfaces in Joint Endoprostheses
    Original languageGerman
    Supervisors/Advisors
    • Lederer, Klaus, Supervisor (internal)
    • Wolf, Christian, Co-Supervisor (internal)
    Award date7 Apr 2006
    Publication statusPublished - 2006

    Bibliographical note

    embargoed until null

    Keywords

    • grades of Polyethylene
    • alternative surfaces
    • articulating endoprosthesis Phillips-PE UHMW-PE crystallinity swelling ratio crosslinking cross-link density molar mass molar mass distribution

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