Journal of Biomechanical Science and Engineering (May 2009)

Mechanical Interaction between Vitamin E-Containing Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene and Co-28Cr-6Mo Alloy in Water

  • Yasushi OKUBO,
  • Shin-ichiro MORI,
  • Koji YAMAMOTO,
  • Daisuke HAMADA,
  • Hiroyuki KOHNO,
  • Kunihiko FUJIWARA,
  • Masato HASHIMOTO,
  • Ken IKEUCHI,
  • Naohide TOMITA

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1299/jbse.4.166
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 2
pp. 166 – 173

Abstract

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The mechanical interaction between ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and a Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy in water was examined in order to clarify the wear resistance mechanism of vitamin E-containing UHMWPE in knee prostheses. The sample UHMWPE was pressed and rubbed against the surface of the Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy in water by using a computer-controlled pin-on-disk wear test apparatus. The formation of a UHMWPE transfer film on the surface of the Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy was reduced by the addition of vitamin E to UHMWPE. The pull-away force between UHMWPE and the Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy was also reduced by the addition of vitamin E. These results suggest that vitamin E reduces the attraction between UHMWPE and the surface of the Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy.

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