Resumen

DAVIDSON, Ernesto et al. CHARACTERIZATION OF UHMWPE IRRADIATED WITH GAMMA RAYS, STORED IN E VITAMIN AND THERMALLY TREATED. Rev. Fac. Ing. UCV [online]. 2011, vol.26, n.1, pp.7-17. ISSN 0798-4065.

The present investigation has the purpose of characterize the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE-Gur- 1050), irradiated at 100 and 50 kGy in argon atmosphere at 25ºC, and at a rate of 4.8 kGy/h; After that, they were stored in vitamin E at a concentration of 0.1 wt%. In order to obtain better properties for the use in orthopedics, the samples irradiated at 100 kGy where annealing at 120ºC and the ones at 50 kGy at 140ºC. The crosslinking predominant reactions, in the case of 140ºC remelting temperature, has a greater effect than at 120ºC, showing also greater hardness and resistance to compression, In spite of that they showed a 10% decreasing in the Young module. The FTIR analysis shows a lesser relation of carbonyl groups, related to the transvilidenes groups. It was not found the presence of oxidant species by means of UV and ESR spectroscopy. From the results, can be inferred that the UHMWPE, remelted at 140ºC is more appropriated for the design and manufacturing of prosthesis due to its longer lifespan

Palabras clave : UHMWPE; Gamma irradiation; Thermal treatment; Vitamin E; Crosslinking.