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EFFECT OF SURFACE TEXTURING ON MECHANICAL DURABILITY OF POLYMERS UNDER PHYSIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
Ravi Chandra Madasani1, Lovekesh Singh1, Mohammad Motaher Hossain1
1Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA.
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
|April 9, 2026
Summary
Micro-scale surface texturing enhances hydrophobic properties and preserves mechanical durability for biomedical polymers like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in physiological environments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Science
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Biomedical polymers, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), are vital for prosthetic and implant applications.
- Long-term durability of these polymers in physiological environments is challenged by moisture absorption, potentially degrading mechanical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of micro-scale surface texturing on the hydrophobic properties, moisture resistance, and mechanical durability of HDPE and UHMWPE.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of various micro-texture designs (square, cylindrical, hemispherical) on polymer performance under simulated physiological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Introduction of micro-scale surface textures (protrusions/cavities) onto HDPE and UHMWPE surfaces.
- Quantification of hydrophobicity using contact angle measurements.
- Assessment of moisture absorption and long-term mechanical performance via uniaxial tensile testing under prolonged physiological exposure.
Main Results:
- Surface micro-texturing significantly enhanced hydrophobicity in both HDPE (up to 52.2%) and UHMWPE (up to 55.8%).
- Enhanced hydrophobicity delayed moisture absorption in HDPE but had a negligible effect on UHMWPE, attributed to their structural differences.
- Surface texturing helped preserve mechanical durability during prolonged physiological exposure, particularly by influencing large molecular motions affected by moisture.
Conclusions:
- Micro-scale surface texturing is a promising strategy to improve the hydrophobic properties and long-term mechanical durability of biomedical polymers.
- The effectiveness of surface texturing in mitigating moisture absorption varies between HDPE and UHMWPE due to inherent structural differences.
- Surface modification techniques can enhance the performance and longevity of polymeric implants in challenging physiological environments.
