Graphene Oxide/Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Composites: Ball-Milling Preparation Mechanical Performance and Biocompatibility Effects

Graphene oxide (GO)/ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites were successfully fabricated through the mechanical ball milling technology and processed according to the hot pressing method. The fractured microstructure features and mechanical properties of the GO/UHMWPE composites were investigated by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and universal testing machine, respectively. By immersion process with simulated body fluid (SBF) and then by in vitro cytotoxicity test with MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, GO/UHMWPE composites exhibited desirable stability and admirable cytocompatibility. Moreover, the attachment and proliferation of the MC3T3-E1 cells on the surfaces of GO/UHMWPE composites were investigated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, SEM and fluorescence staining observations to evaluate the biocompatibility of GO/UHMWPE composites. The addition of 0.5 wt.% GO increased the hardness of the pure UHMWPE gradually. The MC3T3-E1 cells well attached and grew on the surfaces of the composites, and the adding of GO did not affect the morphology and viability of MC3T3-E1 cells. The GO/UHMWPE composites displayed a remarkable combination of enhanced mechanical properties and good biocompatibility, making the composites attractive for potential candidate as artificial joints in the human body.