Análise e caracterização do polietileno de ultra-elevado peso molecular para aplicação em prótese total de joelho

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize and also to compare two samples of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) useful in total knee replacement using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled to EDS microprobe and uniaxial tensile test. Two samples of UHMWPE, one of them produced in Brazil (sample AMN) and the otherone produced in a foreign country (sample AMI), were evaluated by SEM coupled with EDS, XRD, FTIR and uniaxial tensile. Morphological differences between the samples were observed with sample AMI presenting a homogeneous surface with fish scales appearance. XRD patterns for both samples under evaluation have shown similardegrees of crystallinity, endorsed by FTIR results. FTIR spectroscopy results have indicated some slight differences on the oxidation for both samples where AMI was found to be more reticulated than AMN. In addition to that, AMI has presented mechanical properties compatible with high grade of reticulation. The effects of crosslinking would like having considerably different effects on the polymer microstructureand mechanical properties of UHMWPE. Based on the results, the differences between the two samples AMN and AMI have given strong evidences that one might expect different properties and behavior if these polymers of polyethylene are used in total knee replacement.