Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Wet Chemistry and Peptide Immobilization on Polytetrafluoroethylene for Improved Cell-adhesion
Published on: August 15, 2016
Delamination and adhesive wear behavior of alpha-tocopherol-stabilized irradiated ultrahigh-molecular-weight
Keith K Wannomae1, Steven D Christensen, Brad R Micheli
1Harris Orthopedic Biomaterials and Biomechanics Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Wear and delamination of conventional ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components used in total knee arthroplasty can compromise long-term performance. Radiation cross-linking and melt-annealing reduced wear and increased delamination resistance of UHMWPE. An alternative material is the alpha-tocopherol-stabilized irradiated UHMWPE (alphaTPE), with improved mechanical and fatigue properties vs irradiated and melted UHMWPE. We studied the wear and delamination resistance of alphaTPE and conventional UHMWPE (direct compression molded GUR 1050 and Himont 1900) under reciprocating unidirectional motion. Wear resistance was improved, and no delamination was observed in alphaTPE. Accelerated aging did not alter the wear and delamination behavior of alphaTPE. The GUR 1050 UHMWPE showed delamination and pitting when subjected to unidirectional reciprocating motion after accelerated aging. Himont 1900 UHMWPE showed no delamination when subjected to unidirectional reciprocating motion after accelerated aging. alpha-Tocopherol-stabilized irradiated UHMWPE is advanced for use in total knee arthroplasty due to its high resistance to wear, delamination, and oxidation.
Related Concept Videos
02:35Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes
00:53Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET)
Similar to cross-metathesis, ADMET also involves the formation of metallacyclobutane intermediate by [2+2] cycloaddition of one of the double bonds of a terminal diene with...