Chemically Cross-Linked UHMWPE With Superior Toughness

Radiation cross-linked ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs) are clinically used extensively in total joint arthroplasty due to their high wear resistance. Peroxide cross-linking of UHMWPE has been proposed to achieve this high level of wear resistance by simultaneously consolidating and cross-linking in the melt state. High temperature melting of uncross-linked and cross-linked UHMWPEs have further shown to improve the toughness. Here, we report on the wear and mechanical properties of a peroxide cross-linked and high-temperature melted UHMWPE as a function of vitamin E concentration for oxidative stabilization, peroxide concentration for cross-linking and high temperature melting temperature for toughness improvement. This method, combining consolidation and cross-linking in one step, presents an opportunity to manufacture highly wear and oxidation-resistant joint implant-bearing surfaces with much improved toughness. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2182-2188, 2019.