Abstract
Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is effectively a high density polyethylene with a molecular weight in excess of 3 × 106 g/mol. Whilst it is chemically identical to HDPE, the large chain length of UHMWPE confers on it the greatest abrasion resistance of any similar thermoplastic, with other favourable properties such as low coefficient of friction and high impact resistance. As UHMWPE also has good biocompatibility, it is commonly used as a prosthetic material, particularly as bearing surfaces in hip and knee replacements, Figure 1.
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© 2001 Springer Science+Business Media New York
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Dawson, J. (2001). The Effects of Gamma Radiation Sterilisation on Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. In: Mallinson, L.G. (eds) Ageing Studies and Lifetime Extension of Materials. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1215-8_16
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1215-8_16
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