Vitamin E-stabilized polyethylene shows similar survival rates at minimum 7-year follow-up compared to conventional polyethylene in primary total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare survival, clinical and radiographic results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with vitamin E-stabilized polyethylene (VEPE) or conventional polyethylene (CPE) at a minimum of 7-year follow-up. Methods: Patients who underwent primary TKA between 2011 and 2015, receiving the same cemented rotating platform knee design with VEPE or CPE tibial inserts, were identified. Patients were contacted for clinical and radiographic follow-up. American Knee Society Score (KSS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12), presence of periprosthetic radiolucent lines (RLLs) and osteolysis were evaluated at the last follow-up. Any revision, reintervention or other complications were recorded. Results: Among 350 TKAs initially identified, 102 VEPE and 97 CPE knees were included for analysis with mean follow-up of 8.5 and 8.3 years, respectively. No significant difference was found in survival rates at 10-year follow-up with revision due to aseptic loosening (95.0% vs. 97.8%, p = 0.29) or due to any reason (87.6% vs. 89.6%, p = 0.78) between VEPE and CPE TKA. KSS function score resulted significantly higher in the VEPE group over CPE (77 vs. 63, p = 0.01). RLLs were more frequent in VEPE than CPE (54% vs. 32%, p = 0.05), mainly noticed medially and posteriorly beneath the tibial plate, adjacent to the trochlear shield and the posterior condyles. Osteolysis was observed in one knee per group, but patients were asymptomatic with stable implants. Conclusion: TKA with VEPE and CPE tibial inserts showed comparable survival rates, complications and clinical and radiographic results up to 10-year follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Cranioplasty using patient specific implants Polyether ether ketone versus ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene: A prospective study.

This prospective study aimed to compare ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in computer-designed patient-specific implants (PSIs) for cranial defect reconstruction, in terms of complications and aesthetic outcomes. Primary or secondary cranioplasty-eligible patients were included, while patients with active infection or hydrocephalus, or unfit for general anesthesia, were excluded from the study. All the implants were designed and fabricated by the same maxillofacial surgeon using CAD/CAM technology. UHMWPE PSIs were used in group 1 and PEEK PSIs in group 2. Technically, UHMWPE could be milled to a thinner margin thickness than PEEK, which resulted in better handling properties and a smoother end finish. All patients were evaluated over a period of 6 months in terms of overall complications or implant failure as the primary outcome, according to Clavien-Dindo (CVD) grading, and cosmetic satisfaction with the aesthetic results, using a Likert scale, as the secondary outcome. In total, 22 cranioplasty patients were included, with a mean age of 30.8 years (SD = 16.3). Across both groups, 17 patients (77.3%) did not develop postoperative complications. These occurred in three patients in group 1 (CVD grade I, II, and IIIb) (27.3%) and in two patients in group 2 (CVD grade II, IIIa, and IIIb) (18.2%), with no statistical difference (p = 0.6). None of the cases in both groups developed any clinical or radiographic signs of infection, or suffered implant failure. The mean satisfaction score was 4.8 in group 1 and 4.5 in group 2 (SD = 0.6). The difference in satisfaction scores between the two was not statistically significant (p = 0.23). Although UHMWPEE was comparable to PEEK in terms of overall complication rates and cosmesis after craniectomy, UHMWPEE as a material exhibited greater resiliency in technically challenging cases with large, complex/midline-crossing designs, previously fitted meshes, or single-stage resection-reconstruction, allowing better marginal adaptation.

Nickel-catalyzed in situ synthesis of UHMWPE/TiO2 composites with enhanced mechanical properties and adjustable photocatalytic degradabilities.

Expanding the application field of polyolefin materials through functionalization has been a research hotspot in the past three decades. Here, a TiO2-supported anilinenaphthoquinone nickel catalyst was assembled and applied for in situ ethylene polymerization with high activity (>2000 kg mol-1h-1) to produce ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/TiO2 composites with unique physicochemical performance. The UHMWPE/TiO2 composite films and fibers prepared by in-situ ethylene polymerization are superior to the samples from the blend system in issues such as TiO2 dispersibility, mechanical property, and photocatalytic degradability. The mechanical properties (strength up to 26.8 cN/dtex, modulus up to 1248.8 cN/dtex) of the obtained UHMWPE/TiO2 composite fibers are significantly improved with a very low dosage of TiO2 (as low as 1.4 wt‰). Moreover, UHMWPE/TiO2 composites obtained by coating Al2O3 and SiO2 on the surface of TiO2 not only retain the strong absorption of ultraviolet rays, but also effectively weaken the photocatalytic degradation effect.

Model-based Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA) of polyethylene implants.

Model-based Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA) is able to measure the migration of metallic prostheses with submillimeter accuracy through contour-detection and 3D surface model matching techniques. However, contour-detection is only possible if the prosthesis is clearly visible in the radiograph; consequently Model-based RSA cannot be directly used for polymeric materials due to their limited X-ray attenuation; this is especially clinically relevant for all-polyethylene implants. In this study the radiopacity of unicompartmental Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) knee bearings was increased by diffusing an oil-based contrast agent into the surface to create three different levels of surface radiopacity. Model-based RSA was performed on the bearings alone, the bearings alongside a metallic component held in position using a phantom, the bearings cemented into a Sawbone tibia, and the bearings at different distances from the femoral component. For each condition the precision and accuracy of zero motion of Model-based RSA were assessed. The radiopaque bearings could be located in the stereo-radiographs using Model-based RSA an accuracy comparable to metallic parts for translational movements (0.03 mm to 0.50 mm). For rotational movements, the accuracy was lower (0.1∘ to 3.0∘). The measurement accuracy was compared for all the radiopacity levels and no significant difference was found (p=0.08). This study demonstrates that contrast enhanced radiopaque polyethylene can be used for Model-based RSA studies and has equivalent translational measurement precision to metallic parts in the superior-inferior direction.

Intra-Articular Surgical Reconstruction of a Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament Using an Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Ligament: Case Report with Six-Month Clinical Outcome.

The intra-articular reconstruction of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) by an organic graft or a synthetic implant allows the restoration of physiological stifle stability. This treatment is still marginal in routine practice. A Rottweiler presented an acute complete CrCL rupture treated using an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) implant. The latter was positioned under arthroscopic guidance and fixed with interference screws through femoral and tibial bone tunnels. The dog was weight-bearing just after surgery and resumed normal standing posture and gait after one month, with mild signs of pain upon stifle manipulation. At three months postoperatively, minimal muscle atrophy and minimal craniocaudal translation were noted on the operated hindlimb, with no effects on the clinical outcome. The stifle was painless. At six months postoperatively, standing posture and gait were normal, muscle atrophy had decreased, the stifle was painless, and the craniocaudal translation was stable. On radiographs, congruent articular surfaces were observed without worsening of osteoarthrosis over the follow-up, as well as stable moderate joint effusion. Replacement of a ruptured CrCL with a UHMWPE ligament yielded good functional clinical outcome at six months postoperatively. This technique could be considered an alternative for the treatment of CrCL rupture in large dogs, but it needs confirmation from a prospective study with more dogs.

Structural Design and Performance of Cut-Resistant Fabrics with Concave-Convex Arrays.

As the risk of social security increases, it is crucial to develop flexible protective materials that combine flexibility with high protective performance. Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was selected as the raw material, and four types of flat-knitting cut-resistant fabrics were ultimately designed and prepared from a three-dimensional longitudinal dimension and concave-convex array structure based on rib knitting. A series of experiments must be conducted on fabrics in order to study the law of protection performance of different structural fabrics. They were thus subjected to comprehensive evaluation and theoretical analysis of cut resistance. The results demonstrate that the four structural fabrics exhibited resilience in abrasion tests, withstanding over 100,000 cycles without failure. A weighting algorithm was employed to determine the comprehensive cutting resistance of the S1, S2, S3, and S4 structural fabrics, resulting in values of 1939.9 gf, 2298.6 gf, 2577.1 gf, and 2822.2 gf, respectively. Therefore, S1 reached class A4, which is sufficient to address a medium cut hazard. Similarly, S2, S3, and S4 reached class A5, which is adequate to address a high cut hazard. The obtained fitting equation, with uniform yarn fineness T as the dependent variable, demonstrates that the cut resistance improved as the concave-convex density level increased.

Synergistic Enhancement of the Friction and Wear Performance for UHMWPE Composites under Different Aging Times.

With the rapid development of the pipeline transportation and exploitation of mineral resources, there is an urgent requirement for high-performance polymer matrix composites with low friction and wear, especially under oxidative and prolonged working conditions. In this work, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix composites with the addition of carbon fibers (CFs), TiC, and MoS2 were prepared by the hot press sintering method. The influence of thermal oxygen aging time (90 °C, 0 h-64 h) on their mechanical and frictional performance was investigated. The results showed that TiC ceramic particles can increase wear resistance, especially by aging times up to 32 and 64 h. The wear mechanisms were analyzed based on the results of SEM images, EDS, and Raman spectra. The knowledge obtained herein will facilitate the design of long-service-life polymer matrix composites with promising low friction and wear performances.

Design and performance of double-layered artificial chordae.

Surgical repair with artificial chordae replacement has emerged as a standard treatment for mitral regurgitation. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sutures are commonly employed as artificial chordae; however, they have certain limitations, such as potential long-term rupture and undesired material/tissue response. This study introduces a novel approach to artificial chordae design, termed the New Artificial Chordae (NAC), which incorporates a double-layered structure. The NAC comprises a multi-strand braided core composed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers as the inner core, and an outer tube made of hydrophobic porous ePTFE. Compared to traditional ePTFE sutures, NAC exhibits increased flexibility, enhanced tensile strength, longer elongation and improved fatigue resistance. Moreover, NAC exhibits a more hydrophobic surface, which contributes to enhanced hemocompatibility. The study also includes in vivo investigations conducted on animal models to evaluate the biocompatibility and functional efficacy of the artificial chordae. These experiments demonstrate the enhanced durability and biocompatibility of the NAC, characterized by improved mechanical strength, minimal tissue response and reduced thrombus formation. These findings suggest the potential application of NAC as a prosthetic chordae replacement, offering promising prospects to address the limitations associated with current artificial chordae materials and providing novel ideas and approaches for the development of sustainable and biocompatible regenerative biomaterials.

Effect of Hot-Pressing Process on Mechanical Properties of UHMWPE Fiber Non-Woven Fabrics.

In order to investigate the influence of a hot-pressing process on the mechanical properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber non-woven fabrics with stretch and in-plane shear, UHMWPE non-woven fabric samples were prepared by adjusting the temperature, time, and pressure of the hot-pressing process, and mechanical property tests were carried out so as to clarify the influence of the hot-pressing process on the mechanical properties of the samples. The results show that the hot-pressing process mainly affects the silk-glue bonding strength of the samples; in the test range, with the increase in hot-pressing temperature and time, the tensile strength and in-plane shear strength of the samples increase and then decrease, and the best mechanical properties are obtained at 130 °C and 7 min of hot pressing, respectively; at 130 °C, the in-plane shear strength is 39.94 MPa and the tensile strength is 595.43 MPa; at 7 min, the in-plane shear strength is 63.0 MPa and the tensile strength is 643.30 MPa; with the increase in the hot-pressing pressure, the in-plane shear strength of the samples increases and then decreases, and the highest is 52.60 MPa, achieved at 8 MPa; in the range of 5-8 MPa, the tensile strength of the specimens did not change significantly, and increased significantly at 9 MPa, reaching a maximum strength of 674.55 MPa.

Impact Response Features and Penetration Mechanism of UHMWPE Subjected to Handgun Bullet.

Ensuring military and police personnel protection is vital for urban security. However, the impact response mechanism of the UHMWPE laminate used in ballistic helmets and vests remains unclear, making it hard to effectively protect the head, chest, and abdomen. This study utilized 3D-DIC technology to analyze UHMWPE laminate's response to 9 mm lead-core pistol bullets traveling at 334.93 m/s. Damage mode and response characteristics were revealed, and an effective numerical calculation method was established that could reveal the energy conversion process. The bullet penetrated by 1.03 mm, causing noticeable fiber traction, resulting in cross-shaped failure due to fiber compression and aggregation. Bulge transitioned from circular to square, initially increasing rapidly, then slowing. Maximum in-plane shear strain occurred at ±45°, with values of 0.0904 and -0.0928. Model accuracy was confirmed by comparing strain distributions. The investigation focused on bullet-laminate interaction and energy conversion. Bullet's kinetic energy is converted into laminate's kinetic and internal energy, with the majority of erosion energy occurring in the first four equivalent sublaminates and the primary energy change in the system occurring at 75 µs in the fourth equivalent sublayer. The results show the damage mode and energy conversion of the laminate, providing theoretical support for understanding the impact response mechanism and improving the efficiency of protective energy absorption.

Temperature and Strain Rate Related Deformation Behavior of UHMWPE Fiber-Reinforced Composites.

As they possess the qualities of high specific strength, high specific modulus, high specific energy absorption, and excellent designability, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-reinforced composites have gradually replaced traditional materials such as ceramics and steel plates as the main ballistic protection materials. Using an improved test method, the uniaxial tensile tests of UHMWPE fiber-reinforced composites at two strain rates of 10-4 s-1 and 10-2 s-1 and a temperature range from -20 °C to 80 °C are carried out to study the effects of strain rate and temperature on the tensile behavior of UHMWPE fiber-reinforced composites. The experimental results indicate that the tensile responses exhibit nonlinear characteristics and the sensitivity of strain rate and temperature. The yield strength and modulus decrease with increasing temperature and increase with the increase in strain rate. A phenomenological viscoelastic constitutive model composed of a nonlinear spring and a nonlinear Maxwell element is proposed to characterize the temperature and strain rate dependent deformation behavior of UHMWPE fiber-reinforced composites before yielding. The results show that the model can accurately predict the tensile nonlinear viscoelastic responses of UHMWPE fiber-reinforced composites before yielding over a wide temperature range under quasi-static loading.

The wear and kinematics of two medially stabilised total knee replacement systems.

BACKGROUND: Medially stabilised total knee replacement systems aim to provide a more natural feeling knee replacement by providing increased stability through flexion. The aim of this study was to compare the kinematics and wear of two different medially stabilised total knee replacement systems in an experimental simulation study. The Medial Rotation Knee™ system (MRK) is an early medially stabilised knee (>20 years clinical success); the SAIPH® knee system being a more modern and refined, bone conserving evolution of the original design with a larger size range. METHODS: Three SAIPH and three MRK total knee replacements (MatOrtho Ltd, UK) were investigated. The study was performed on a knee simulator with load controlled input kinematic conditions (ISO 14243-1). 6 million cycles of simulation were carried out with the wear of the UHMWPE tibial components assessed gravimetrically. The resulting anterior-posterior translation and tibial rotation position was measured throughout the study. RESULTS: The mean UHMWPE wear rate was 0.57 ± 0.71 and 1.24 ± 2.0 mm3/million cycles for SAIPH and MRK total knee replacement systems respectively with no significant difference in wear (p = 0.24). Analysis of simulator output kinematics showed a larger range of anterior-posterior motion for SAIPH total knee replacements compared to MRK. The magnitude of tibial rotation was low for both knee replacement systems. CONCLUSION: The small magnitude of anterior-posterior displacement and tibial rotation motion demonstrates the inherent stability of this knee system design offered by the constrained medial compartment. This study shows the potential for medially stabilised knee systems as a low polyethylene surface wear solution.

The Development and Performance of Knitted Cool Fabric Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene.

In order to withstand high-temperature environments, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers with cooling properties are being increasingly used in personal thermal management textiles during the summer. However, there is relatively little research on its combination with knitting. In this paper, we combine UHMWPE fiber and knitting structure to investigate the impact of varying UHMWPE fiber content and different knitting structures on the heat and humidity comfort as well as the cooling properties of fabrics. For this purpose, five kinds of different proportions of UHMWPE and polyamide yarn preparation, as well as five kinds of knitted tissue structures based on woven tissue were designed to weave 25 knitted fabrics. The air permeability, moisture permeability, moisture absorption and humidity conduction, thermal property, and contact cool feeling property of the fabrics were tested. Then, orthogonal analysis and correlation analysis were used to statistically evaluate the properties of the fabrics statistically. The results show that as the UHMWPE content increases, the air permeability, heat conductivity, and contact cool feeling property of the fabrics improve. The moisture permeability, moisture absorption and humidity conductivity of fabrics containing UHMWPE are superior to those containing only polyamide. The air permeability, moisture permeability, and thermal conductivity of the fabrics formed by the tuck plating organization are superior to those of the flat needle plating and float wire plating organization. The fabric formed by 2 separate 2 float wire organization has the best moisture absorption, humidity conduction, contact cool feeling property.

Lipid index to quantify the absorbed lipids in retrieved UHMWPE components of joint arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) component of artificial joints is one of the most important factors affecting the clinical outcomes of joint arthroplasty. Although the possibility of in vivo UHMWPE degradation caused by absorbed lipids has been reported, a quantitative evaluation of this phenomenon has not yet been performed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish the lipid index (LI) as a quantitative indicator of the amount of absorbed lipids and the first step to quantify their effects on UHMWPE. METHODS: The LI was defined using the infrared spectrum obtained with a Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer and verified using the retrieved UHMWPE components. RESULTS: The LI was consistent with the amount of extract recovered in reflux extraction with hexane. In addition, the LI could replace lipid extraction for calculating the oxidation index (OI) because the value obtained by subtracting the LI from the OI showed good agreement with the OI obtained after lipid extraction. CONCLUSION: The LI represents the amount of lipids absorbed by UHMWPE and is useful for quantitatively evaluating the effects of lipids on UHMWPE. In addition, the LI enables OI measurements that are unaffected by absorbed lipids without requiring troublesome lipid-extraction procedures.

Vitamin E-enriched medium cross-linked polyethylene in total knee arthroplasty (VIKEP): clinical outcome, oxidation profile, and wear analysis in comparison to standard polyethylene-study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The gliding surface of total knee endoprostheses is exposed to high loads due to patient weight and activity. These implant components are typically manufactured from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Crosslinking of UHMWPE by ionizing radiation results in higher wear resistance but induces the formation of free radicals which impair mechanical properties after contact with oxygen. Medium-crosslinked UHMWPE enriched with vitamin E (MXE) provides a balance between the parameters for a sustainable gliding surface, i.e., mechanical strength, wear resistance, particle size, and oxidation stability. Therefore, a gliding surface for knee endoprostheses made up from this material was developed, certified, and launched. The aim of this study is to compare this new gliding surface to the established predecessor in a non-inferiority design. METHODS: This multicenter, binational randomized controlled trial will enroll patients with knee osteoarthritis eligible for knee arthroplasty with the index device. Patients will be treated with a knee endoprosthesis with either MXE or a standard gliding surface. Patients will be blinded regarding their treatment. After implantation of the devices, patients will be followed up for 10 years. Besides clinical and patient-related outcomes, radiological data will be collected. In case of revision, the gliding surface will be analyzed biomechanically and regarding the oxidative profile. DISCUSSION: The comparison between MXE and the standard gliding surface in this study will provide clinical data to confirm preceding biomechanical results in vivo. It is assumed that material-related differences will be identified, i.e., that the new material will be less sensitive to wear and creep. This may become obvious in biomechanical analyses of retrieved implants from revised patients and in radiologic analyses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04618016. Registered 27 October 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04618016?term=vikep&checkSpell=false&rank=1 . All items from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set can be found in Additional file 1.

Di-cumyl peroxide cross-linked UHMWPE/vitamin-E blend for total joint arthroplasty implants.

Majority of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) medical devices used in total joint arthroplasty are cross-linked using gamma radiation to improve wear resistance. Alternative methods of cross-linking are urgently needed to replace gamma radiation due to rapid decline in its supply. Peroxide cross-linking is a candidate method with widespread industrial applications. Oxidative stability and biocompatibility, which are critical requirements for medical device applications, can be achieved using vitamin-E as an additive and by removing peroxide by-products through high-temperature melting, respectively. We investigated compression molded UHMWPE/vitamin-E/di-cumyl peroxide blends followed by high-temperature melting in inert gas as a material candidate for tibial knee inserts. Wear resistance increased and mechanical properties remained largely unchanged. Oxidation induction time was higher than most of the other clinically available formulations. The material passed the local-end point biocompatibility tests per ISO 10993. Compounds found in exhaustive extraction were of no concern with margin-of-safety values well above the accepted level, indicating a desirable toxicological risk profile. Statement of Clinical Significance: Peroxide cross-linked, vitamin-E stabilized, and high-temperature melted UHMWPE has recently been cleared for clinical use in tibial knee inserts. With all the salient characteristics needed in a material that can provide superior long-term performance in total joint patients, peroxide cross-linking can replace the gamma radiation cross-linking of UHMWPE.

A review of wear debris in thumb base joint implants.

AIM: Polymers and metals, such as polyethylene (PE) and cobalt chrome (CoCr), are common materials used in thumb-based joint implants, also known as CMC (Carpometacarpal) arthroplasty. The purpose of this review was to investigate the reported failure modes related to wear debris from these type of materials in CMC implants. The impact of wear debris on clinical outcomes of CMC implants was also examined. Potential adverse wear conditions and inflammatory particle characteristics were also considered. METHOD: A literature search was performed using PRISMA guidelines and 55 studies were reviewed including 49 cohort studies and 6 case studies. Of the 55 studies, 38/55 (69%) focused on metal-on-polyethylene devices, followed by metal-on-metal (35%), and metal-on-bone (4%). RESULTS: The summarized data was used to determine the frequency of failure modes potentially related to wear debris from metals and/or polymers. The most commonly reported incidents potentially relating to debris were implant loosening (7.1%), osteolysis (1.2%) and metallosis (0.6%). Interestingly the reported mechanisms behind osteolysis and loosening greatly varied. Inflammatory reactions, while rare, were generally attributed to metallic debris from metal-on-metal devices. Mechanisms of adverse wear conditions included implant malpositioning, over-tensioning, high loading for active patients, third-body debris, and polyethylene wear-through. No specific examination of debris particle characterization was found, pointing to a gap in the literature. CONCLUSION: This review underscores the types of failure modes associated with wear debris in CMC implants. It was found that failure rates and adverse wear conditions of CMC implants of any design are low and the exact relationship between wear debris and implant incidences, such as osteolysis and loosening remains uncertain. The authors note that further research and specific characterization is required to understand the relationship between debris and implant failure.

Bio-inspired copper ion-chelated chitosan coating modified UHMWPE fibers for enhanced interfacial properties of composites.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are broadly applied in lightweight and high-strength composite fiber materials. However, the development of UHMWPE fibers is limited by their smooth and chemically inert surfaces. To address the issues, a modified UHMWPE fibers material has been fabricated through the chelation reaction between Cu2+ and chitosan coatings within the surface of fibers after plasma treatment, which is inspired by the hardening mechanism, a crosslinked network between metal ions and proteins/polysaccharides of the tips and edges in arthropod-specific cuticular tools. The coatings improve the surface wettability and interfacial bonding ability, which are beneficial in extending the application range of UHMWPE fibers. More importantly, compared to the unmodified UHMWPE fiber cloths, the tensile property of the modified fiber cloths is increased by 18.89% without damaging the strength, which is infrequent in modified UHMWPE fibers. Furthermore, the interlaminar shear strength and fracture toughness of the modified fibers laminate are increased by 37.72% and 135.90%, respectively. These improvements can be attributed to the synergistic effects between the surface activity and the tiny bumps of the modified UHMWPE fibers. Hence, this work provides a more straightforward and less damaging idea of fiber modification for manufacturing desirable protective and medical materials.

Striated Pattern on Worn Surface of a Retrieved TKR Tibial Insert Stems from Microstructural Changes in the UHMWPE.

Polyethylene wear has been a concern for the longevity of total knee replacements (TKR). A characteristic wear feature often observed on the articular surfaces of retrieved polyethylene tibial inserts is a striated pattern of hills and troughs. This pattern is of interest because its surface area has been found to correlate with increased tibial insert wear. We therefore addressed the following two research questions: (1) What is the prevalence of the striated pattern on a contemporary tibial insert design made from conventional ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)? (2) Are the peaks and troughs of the striated pattern connected with differences in crystallinity developed during the wear process? The prevalence and area coverage of the striated patterns were determined on a set of 81 retrieved tibial inserts of a cruciate-retaining TKR design. The striated areas were mapped using an optical coordinate measuring machine. Differences in crystallinity between troughs and hills were determined on a representative tibial insert using Raman spectroscopy. The striated pattern was observed on 61 out of 81 (75%) of the retrieved tibial inserts, covering an average of 32% of the total articular area. In the representative insert that was evaluated, the hills exhibited higher crystallinity (68%) than the troughs (54%) (p = 0.001). Conversely, the troughs exhibited higher amorphous phase content (22%) than the hills (19%) (p = 0.04). In conclusion, this pattern of hills and troughs is another example of microstructural changes in UHMWPE stemming from tribological stresses.

Numerical Investigation on Anti-Explosion Performance of Non-Metallic Annular Protective Structures.

Explosive shock wave protection is an important issue that urgently needs to be solved in the current military and public security safety fields. Non-metallic protective structures have the characteristics of being lightweight and having low secondary damage, making them an important research object in the field of equivalent protection. In this paper, the numerical simulation was performed to investigate the dynamic mechanical response of non-metallic annular protective structures under the internal blast, which were made by the continuous winding of PE fibers. The impact of various charges, the number of fiber layers, and polyurethane foam on the damage to protective structures was analyzed. The numerical results showed that 120 PE fiber layers could protect 50 g TNT equivalent explosives. However, solely increasing the thickness of fiber layers cannot effectively enhance the protection efficiency. By adding polyurethane foam in the inner layer, the stress acting on the fiber could be effectively reduced. A 30 mm thick polyurethane layer can reduce the equivalent stress of the fiber layer by 41.6%. This paper can provide some reference for the numerical simulations of non-metallic explosion protection structures.