Processing of HA/UHMWPE composite for orthopaedic applications

The fabrication of hydroxyapatite (HA)/ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite using the methods of ball milling compounding and swelling was presented. The morphology and homogeneous distribution of nano HA particles in UHMWPE were investigated using SEM. TEM was used to analyze the interface between the particles and the polymer matrix. It was found that swelling improved the penetration of HA in polymer chains and interface adhesion. The modulus and yield strength of both swollen and unswollen samples was increased when compression temperature was increased from 155 °C to 180°C