SOME EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS OF UHMWPE WEAR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN ABRASIVE SLURRY

Tiberiu LAURIAN

tlaurian@meca.omtr.pub.ro

 Andrei TUDOR

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Suceava, ROMANIA

Abstract. Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been successfully used as bearing material in total joint replacements for many decades. The aim of this study is to assess the wear performance of UHMWPE in third body abrasive conditions similar or not to those encountered in human joint replacements. Abrasive wear tests are capable of providing some measure of mechanical properties of a material surface. There are many variable parameters associated with the micro-abrasion test such as applied load, abrasive type, abrasive concentration, ball type, etc [1]. This study focuses on how sterilization factors such as irradiation dose and environment affect the wear rate of UHMWPE.

Keywords: UHMWPE, abrasion, wear test, gamma radiation