Characterization of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

Abstract

The density, ash content and hardness were determined for ultra high molecular weight polyethylene from a single block of medical grade RCH 1000. The effect on these parameters of position within the block and of 2.5 Mrad irradiation was determined. The density was 942 ± 1 kgm-3. It varied slightly with position and increased slightly after irradiation. The ash content was less than 200 ppm, and varied slightly with position. The ash contained Ca, Al and Si. The hardness (DIN 53456) was 36 MNm-2 and no variation due to position or irradiation could be detected. It was concluded that the observed variations would be unlikely to have a significant effect on the wear behaviour. © 1982.