ULTRA HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE FOR BEARING SURFACES

摘要

The present disclosure is directed to a composition comprising an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and Vitamin E first mixed with a polyethylene such that the mix has a Vitamin E concentration in the range of .02 to .12 wt% and then molded with the polyethylene at a temperature greater than a melting point of the polyethylene forming a molded composition. The molded composition is gamma irradiated in air with a dosage radiation between 5 and 20 Mrad and wherein the irradiating dosage is determined relative to the concentration of Vitamin E in the mixture. The disclosure is also directed to a prosthetic device having an insert comprising this composition.