Biomechanical Properties of Dispersep Article Reinforced Polymer Composites on Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) having a low coefficient of friction (CoF), high wearand chemical resistance in harsh environments, is used for fabricating medical products (hip and knee joints, intervertebral discs, plates for maxillofacial surgery, and others). Priority of polymers, in particular UHMWPE to be applied as medical implant materials, is due to their proximity to the biological tissues by physical and mechanical properties [1-5]. The book [6], which contains the most complete information on the use of UHMWPE in medical practice, is focused on improving tribological properties of UHMWPE by ionizing radiation treatment. The latter provides modification of either bulk material or a thin surface layer giving rise to increasing wear resistance of products. However, it significantly reduces the prosthesis ductility due to embrittlement (coming from cross linking). As a result, the larger number of wear particles and debris will be encapsulated in the joint area within a human body [7,8].