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Mechanical Properties and Three-Dimensional Topological Characterisation of Micron, Submicron and Nanoparticles from Artificial Joints

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Abstract

Study of the geometry, nanomechanical properties and three-dimensional topographic characteristics of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear particles provides an insight into understanding the wear mechanisms in artificial joints, which have not been fully explored. In this study, UHMWPE particles were generated, collected and then separated into three groups based on their size: micrometre, submicrometre and nanometre. Particle size distribution and shape features were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Atomic force microscopy was used to quantify wear particle topographic features and nanomechanical properties. From the wear particle geometry analysis, it was found that nano- and submicron-sized particles had a granular shape while micrometre-sized particles had a flake-like morphology. Moreover, the mechanical properties and topographic characterisation of the UHMWPE material indicated that the nano- and submicron-sized particles had a much greater modulus and smoother surface than that of the micron-sized particles and bulk polymer sample. These differences in the geometric, topographic and mechanical properties between the nanoparticles, submicron particles and the micron particles revealed that the micron particles were most likely to be produced under macroscopic polymer asperity wear, while the nano- and submicron-sized particles were generated under microscopic polymer asperity wear. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the wear mechanism and processes of wear particle generation. Furthermore, the information may be useful to develop strategies for controlling and minimising the production of wear particles with particular features.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Australian Research Council (ARC) for funding the project (DP1093975). Furthermore, the authors are grateful for a permission to use the AFM facility and technical support from Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre (Biomedical Imaging facility) at the University of New South Wales.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia

    Jingping Wu & Zhongxiao Peng

  2. Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, The University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK

    Joanne Tipper

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  1. Jingping Wu
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  2. Zhongxiao Peng
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Correspondence to Jingping Wu.

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Wu, J., Peng, Z. & Tipper, J. Mechanical Properties and Three-Dimensional Topological Characterisation of Micron, Submicron and Nanoparticles from Artificial Joints. Tribol Lett 52, 449–460 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-013-0228-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-013-0228-5

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