Studies on electron-beam irradiation and plastic deformation of medical-grade ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

Separated and combined electron-beam irradiation and plastic deformation effects on the structures of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were studied. It was found that the concentration of carbonyl (ketones, esters and peresters), hydroxyl and vinyl groups increases with the growing dose of adsorbed electrons. It also tends to exhibit a slight increase in the melting point and crystallinity of the samples. A mechanical stress in the polymer was found to accelerate radiation-induced degradation. It was concluded that each of the factors studied (i.e. electron beam sterilization and plastic deformation) had a different impact on the polymer structure. The change in the sequence of action of these factors can dramatically influence the process of UHMWPE destruction. Some effects may be limited or enhanced by the action of other factors. Therefore, the resulting effects of destructive factors depend qualitatively and quantitatively on their intensity and order.