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Elastoplastic behavior of highly cross-linked and vitamin E-stabilized polyethylene - A biomechanical study
Yung-Chang Lu1, Cheng-Yu Wu2, Ting-Kuo Chang3
1Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital (MMH), Taipei County, Taiwan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, MMH, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Background:
Vitamin E-stabilized cross-linked polyethylene has been touted to alleviate the negative effects of oxidation. Although it has demonstrated significant improvements in wear resistance, bio-tribology, and oxidative resistance, little is known about the effect of antioxidants and dosage of cross-linking on the mechanical strength. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties of these novel materials, which are commonly used in orthopedic implants.
Methods:
Samples of different polymers were prepared with various levels of cross-linking and with or without vitamin E-stabilization and then tested according to ASTM D695 and D638. The elastoplastic characteristics under compression and tension were compared between the groups.
Findings:
Vitamin E-stabilized cross-linked polyethylene showed a significant increase in elastic modulus over other groups, with a maximum increase of 26% in compression and 40% in tension when compared to the highly cross-linked group without vitamin E stabilization. The elastoplastic behavior under compression differed to that in tension for all polymers, demonstrating the anisotropic characteristics of these polymers.
Interpretation:
The lower mechanical strength of highly cross-linked polyethylene has been a complication with the use of this polymer in orthopedic liners. This current study suggests that vitamin E-stabilized cross-linked polyethylene could be a suitable alternative material for knee implants because of its improved strength in resisting external forces.
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