Effect of gamma ray irradiation on processability and properties of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been widely used in many fields due to its outstanding properties. However, it is virtually impossible to be processed by the conventional method due to its high molecular weight and very tight chain entanglement. To solve this problem, a new method was proposed in this article. Gamma ray irradiation was adopted to cause the oxidation degradation of UHMWPE. The degraded products which generated in situ and dispersed in UHMWPE evenly were utilized as self‐lubricant and heat transfer intermediary. These low molecular weight fractions thus could improve the processability of UHMWPE. The effects of irradiation dose on the structure and properties of UHMWPE were studied by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gel content measurement, wide angle x‐ray diffraction (WAXD), Haake torque rheometer, mechanical properties measurements and sliding wear tests. The experimental results showed that gamma ray irradiation caused oxidation degradation of UHMWPE. Under appropriate irradiation condition, the processability of UHMWPE could be improved substantially while most of its excellent properties could be kept. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Effects of sunshine UV irradiation on the tensile properties and structure of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber

This study investigated sunlight‐simulated ultraviolet (UV) beam irradiation on the tensile properties and structure of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. The tensile results showed that after 300 h sunlight UV irradiation, the tensile properties of the UHMWPE fibers were obviously degraded. Investigation of morphology revealed that the crystallinity was slightly increased, whereas the overall orientation and molecular weight of the fibers were decreased. SEM observations indicated that the degradation process was nonuniform throughout the fiber and a change from a ductile to a brittle fracture mechanism was found after UV irradiation. DMA results showed two β‐relaxations and one α‐relaxation in the original single filament, and UV irradiation led to the increased intensity of the high‐temperature β‐relaxation and the lowered position of the low‐temperature β‐relaxation. This indicated that irradiation‐induced molecular scission and branching were located primarily in the amorphous and the interface areas of the fiber. Changes in the thermal behavior were also examined by DSC. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2757–2763, 2003     

Effect of long‐term natural aging on the thermal,mechanical, and viscoelastic behavior of biomedical grade of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

In the total joint prostheses, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) may undergo an oxidative degradation in the long term. The overall properties of UHMWPE are expected to be altered due to the oxidative degradation. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of natural aging up to 6 years in air on the thermal, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties of UHMWPE that was used in total joint replacement. The changes in UHMWPE properties due to aging are determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), uniaxial tensile tests, and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The DSC results show that the lamellar thickness and degree of crystallinity of UHMWPE specimens increase by 38% and 12% due to aging. A small shoulder region in the DSC thermograms is remarked for aged specimens, which is an indication of formation of new crystalline forms within their amorphous region. The tensile properties of aged and nonaged UHMWPE specimens show a significant decrease in the elastic modulus, yield, fracture stresses, and strain at break due to aging. The DM testing results indicate that the storage modulus and creep resistance of UHMWPE specimens decrease significantly due to aging. Also, it is remarked that the α relaxation peak for aged UHMWPE specimens occurs at lower temperature compared to nonaged ones. The significant reduction in the strength and creep resistance of UHMWPE specimens due to aging would affect the long‐term clinical performance of the total joint replacement and should be taken into consideration during artificial joint design. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

浅谈超高分子量聚乙烯纤维的表面处理

超高分子量聚乙烯（UHMWPE）纤维是一种性能优异的高性能纤维,但由于其表面自身特点,限制了它的应用,所以通常对其表面进行处理,以提高与树脂的界面结合力。作者介绍了几种用于UHMWPE纤维表面处理的方法,如等离子处理法。     

超高分子量聚乙烯纤维防切割手套应用与市场分析

阐述了超高分子量聚乙烯(UHMWPE)防切割手套的加工及性能特点,并分析了市场发展趋势,对市场前景进行了展望。     

Development of porous ultra high molecular weight polyethylene scaffolds for the fabrication of orbital implant

Porous implants having interconnecting channels allow ingrowth of host connective tissue. Complete implant vascularization reduces the risk of infection, extrusion, and other complications associated with nonintegrated implants. Attempts were made to develop 60% and 70% porous ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) scaffolds and blocks using sodium chloride as channeling agent, which when dissolved in boiling water leaves behind the interconnecting channels. The average diameter of the pores of 60% and 70% porous scaffolds was found to be approx. 170 μm and 210 μm, respectively. Mechanical characterizations of the scaffolds indicated sufficient strength to be used for orbital implant fabracation. Surface roughness of the scaffolds indicated increase in surface roughness with the increase in porosity. The scaffolds developed were found to be hemocompatible with the human blood. Subsequently, the 70% porous scaffold was dip coated with a solution mixture of sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (SCMC)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/hydroxyapatite (HA) which also showed hemocompatibility. Ciprofloxacin release pattern from the membrane was determined. Finally an orbital implant was fabricated from the 70% porous scaffold.     

Toughening of dimethacrylate resins by addition of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles

The effects of the addition of UHMWPE particles, of nominal 〈80 μm〉 size, on the fracture toughness, flexural modulus and strength of composites made with dimethacrylate resins (60/40 wt/wt BisGMA-TEGMA) were investigated as a function of volume fraction of UHMWPE (0-60 vol%) and particle surface treatment. Interfacial shear strengths (τ) were measured via microbond shear strength tests using Spectra900™ (UHMWPE) fibers and BisGMA-TEGMA beads. τ increased by a factor of 4 compared with untreated UHMWPE, and surface treated particles improved the mechanical properties of the composite. Fracture toughness (K_IC) and flexural modulus (E) increased with increased volume fraction of UHMWPE, with maximum K_IC/E increases (at 60 vol%) of 238%/25% compared with the neat resin. SEM images showed debonding as well as yielding and fibrillation of the UHMWPE particles, suggesting that these were significant toughening mechanisms.     

Microstructural origin of physical and mechanical properties of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene processed by high velocity compaction

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a semi-crystalline polymer with exceptional wear and impact properties, but also a very high melt viscosity, owing to its extremely long chains. Therefore, UHMWPE is non-melt processable and its processing is long and expensive. However, a new process, High Velocity Compaction (HVC), allows processing UHMWPE within short processing times via sintering. Several high velocity impacts are applied to a powder-filled die to provide self-heating. The sintering is then obtained by local fusion/recrystallization. In this study, the physical and mechanical properties of UHMWPE processed by HVC are investigated. Ductile UHMWPE with a high modulus was obtained. The particular microstructure of the material resulting from the sintering by fusion/recrystallization has then been characterized. It appears that mechanical properties of HVC-UHMWPE are governed by the microstructure induced by processing conditions, and hence can be adjusted for a given application.     

超高分子量聚乙烯溶解均匀性研究

超高分子量聚乙烯纤维生产工艺中,超高分子量聚乙烯溶解设备普遍使用双螺杆挤出机。文章研究了如何使用双螺杆挤出机,具体涉及到螺纹元件的组合、双螺杆挤出机的转速以及各区温度控制等关键技术,制备溶解均匀的超高分子量聚乙烯溶液,以达到纺丝要求。     

超高分子量聚乙烯材料的研究进展

超高分子量聚乙烯(UHMWPE)是高性能聚烯烃材料的典型代表,稳定的线性长链结构使其具有高强度、耐冲击、耐磨损、自润滑、耐化学腐蚀、耐低温等诸多优异性能。近年,UHMWPE加工、改性技术日益扩展、优化,形成了多种多样的UHMWPE制品,广泛应用于军民各项领域。本文综述了UHMWPE在催化聚合、纤维、膜、管材、板材及型材等方面的最新进展,重点介绍在各领域应用、加工、改性等方面的研究成果和发展趋势。     

Solid state extrusion of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. Processing and properties

The techniques of solid state coextrusion and powder extrusion have been employed for the deformation of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. Chain folded and chain extended morphologies obtained under different crystallization conditions were coextruded within a nylon 11 casing acting as a processing aid at an extrusion draw ratio (EDR) of 5 at ≤ 120°C and 0.20 GPa. The powder was compacted and extruded at ≤ 128°C and 0.23 GPa up to an EDR of 24. The physical and mechanical properties of the extrudates were evaluated and found to be dependent on intial morphology. An extrudate from the chain-folded morphology gave a low modulus of 0.71 GPa, the chain-extended morphology a modulus of 6.7 GPa, and the compacted powder a modulus of 15 GPa.     

Preparation and properties of thermoplastic polyurethane/ultra high molecular weight polyethylene blends

The blends of thermoplastic polyurethane and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were prepared by a co‐twin screw extruder. Phase separation morphology of the blends was confirmed by the SEM observations. The incorporation of UHMWPE is detrimental to the mechanical properties of the blends prepared from stiffer TPU, whereas is beneficial to that of TPU with low hardness. The tribological behaviors of neat TPU and its blends were studied by the means of a block‐on‐ring apparatus. It was found that UHMWPE could greatly improve the tribological properties of TPU matrix both under dry sliding and water lubricating conditions due to the excellent self‐lubricating property of the UHMWPE materials and furthermore improve the wear failure limit of TPU. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:897–906, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

超高相对分子质量聚乙烯纤维热牵伸性能研究

就超高相对分子质量聚乙烯纤维热牵伸过程的拉伸比和牵伸温度对纤维力学性能的影响进行了试验.研究结果表明,拉伸比4.5～6.0和牵伸温度144～150℃是最适合超高相对分子质量聚乙烯纤维热牵伸的关键参数,纤维力学性能可以达到拉伸强度35 cN/dtex和拉伸模量1 100 cN/dtex以上.     

凝胶纺丝法制备超高分子量聚乙烯/高分子量聚乙烯纤维延伸性能的研究

用凝胶纺丝法制备了超高分子量聚乙烯(UHMWPE)/高分子量聚乙烯(HDPE)纤维,探讨了添加不同种类高分子量聚乙烯对凝胶初生纤维在后续延伸过程中延伸性能的影响。结果表明在固定制备条件时,当超高分子量聚乙烯(UHMWPE)/高分子量聚乙烯(HDPE)的质量比在最适当质量比时,高分子量聚乙烯的分子量为1.5～2.0×104时,所制备的凝胶初生纤维的可延伸比达最大值。     

High density polyethylene/ultra high molecular weight polyethylene blend. II. Effect of hydroxyapatite on processing,thermal, and mechanical properties

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is part of bone mineral composition. Several attempts have been made to incorporate HA into high density polyethylene (HDPE) to produce bone replacement biomaterials since neat HDPE is not suitable as bone replacement. The blending of HDPE with ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) up to 50% by weight was performed with the aim of improving the toughness of composites. Reinforcement of blend with HA of up to 50% by weight was carried out. Methods of characterizing the composites included density, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, ash content, and morphological examination using scanning electron microscope. For the mechanical properties of the composites, tensile, flexural, and impact tests were carried out. Incorporation of HA into HDPE has resulted in the brittleness of the composites. Blending of HDPE with UHMWPE in the presence of HA was found to improve the mechanical properties and promote a ductile failure of the resulting composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3931–3942, 2006     

Dielectric behavior induced by vitamin E and electron beam irradiation in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

Radiation cross‐linked ultra high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs) have been successfully used as wear resistant bearing surfaces in total joint arthroplasty. A recent development in this field is the incorporation of the antioxidant vitamin E into radiation cross‐linked UHMWPE. This study investigates the effects of radiation cross‐linking and vitamin E incorporation on the dielectric behavior of UHMWPE. The dielectric relaxations of virgin and 0.1 wt % vitamin E‐blended UHMWPE and their irradiated counterparts (up to 300 kGy dose) were investigated. To determine the effect of vitamin E content alone, vitamin E‐loaded UHMWPEs were used. The results showed that radiation cross‐linking and vitamin E content both increased dielectric polarization in UHMWPE and under some conditions induced electrical conductivity. This result is significant because it shows that the conductive response of UHMWPE‐bearing surfaces may depend on manufacturing processes and additives. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40844.     

Thermal properties,rheology and sintering of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and its composites with polyethylene terephthalate

The addition of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) may be a promising approach to achieve improved wear properties in artificial joints. Since UHMWPE/PET composites are processed by compression molding, which involves compaction and sintering of polymeric powders, this article investigates their rheology, thermal properties, and sintering behavior to aid in the identification and selection of optimum processing conditions. Isothermal crystallization kinetics studies have revealed that crystallization of UHMWPE proceeds via heterogeneous nucleation and is governed by two‐dimensional growth. The crystallization rates of the composites were lower than those of the neat material, whereas their ultimate crystallinities were higher. The UHMWPE/PET composites had higher viscosity and elasticity than the neat resin. In the presence of PET fibers the onset of sintering took place at higher temperatures but proceeded at substantially higher rates as compared with pure UHMWPE. A marked discrepancy between the Eshelby‐Frenkel model and experimental sintering data suggests that viscous flow is not the prevailing mechanism for coalescence but rather that enhanced surface area, attributed to the highly developed internal morphology of UHMWPE particles, is the controlling factor. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:678–686, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Cold compaction molding and sintering of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

Cold Compaction Molding and Sintering of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been examined as a function of particle size, sintering time and temperature, and cooling rate. Properties nearly equivalent to those obtained by compression molding can be obtained from samples with a fibrous particle morphology, sintered just above the melting point, with further improvement possible by control of particle size and addition of fine particles of normal molecular weight linear polyethylene. UHMWPE with a nodular particle morphology sintered poorly.     

Crystallization behavior and foaming properties of polypropylene containing ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene under supercritical carbondioxide

In this study, a systematic investigation on the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of conversional polypropylene (PP) containing various amounts of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was reported, and the effects of UHMWPE on crystallization behavior of these PP materials and their foaming properties were also presented. The kinetic studies revealed that the incorporation of UHMWPE into PP led to an increase in the crystallization temperature and temperature range during the crystallization process as well as the relative crystallinity. This behavior was attributed to a comprehensive effect of the nucleation and entanglement of the UHMWPE chains. The kinetic models based on Ozawa's and Mo's methods were used to analyze the nonisothermal crystallization behaviors. It was found that the latter succeeded in describing the nonisothermal crystallization behavior of the PP containing UHMWPE, while the former was not appropriate. The activation energy for the nonisothermal crystallization determined by Kissinger's method also indicated that the crystallization ability of PP was improved with the addition of UHMWPE. Owing to the modification of the crystallization kinetics of the PP materials by introduction of UHMWPE, the foaming properties (i.e., cell uniformity and expandability etc.) were improved significantly. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

超高相对分子质量聚乙烯纤维的改性及其应用

超高相对分子质量聚乙烯（UHMWPE）纤维以其优异的性能而成为一种重要的高科技纤维品种,但由于本身的结构特点,使得其存在一定的性能缺陷而限制了应用范围。通过等离子体处理法、氧化法等各种物理和化学的方法对UHMWPE纤维表面进行改性处理,可不同程度改善其耐热、界面、抗蠕变等弱性。详细介绍了该纤维的改性方法及其在绳索类、防护用品以及其他方面的应用。