High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Nanospheres: Synthesis Physical and Mechanical Properties

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 3123-3135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradip Paik ◽  
Kamal K. Kar

The high molecular weight (MW) polyethylene (PE) particles of particle size varied from macro to micron to nanometer were synthesized by Grignard reagent. The microscopy analysis (scanning electron microscope, SEM; transmission electron microscope, TEM; and atomic force microscope, AFM) shows the spherical shape of PE particles. The effects of particle size, varies from macro to nanometer scale on crystal structure, crystallinity (χc), glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), surface roughness and mechanical properties were studied. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments show that the nanoparticles of PE are highly crystalline (χc ≈ 72%). The crystal length of PE nanoparticles is found to be approximately 14 Å. Although the Gibbs-Thomson equation is explained the depression of melting temperature (ΔTm) by 5 °C, the impervious results of Tg are still not fully understood. The low roughness value (2 Å) proves the presence of "atomic-scale-chain" folding at the surface of PE nanoparticles. A novel protocol is developed, and the elastic modulus of individual nanospherical PE particles is computed from 'force-distance' mapping curves of AFM. Hemispherical tungsten (W) tip was fabricated from focused ion beam and used as an indenter to measure the mechanical properties. It is found that the nano sized PE particles have higher elastic modulus (E = 1.2–1.4 GPa) compared to the bulk or macro sized PE (E = 0.6–0.7 GPa). The results corroborate the robustness of our experiments, since, the analogous results for macro sized particles match well with the literature.

2013 ◽  
Vol 341 ◽  
pp. 169-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.M. Abdul-Kader ◽  
Y.A. El-Gendy ◽  
Awad A. Al-Rashdi ◽  
A.M. Salem

The effect of ion beam bombardment on the optical and mechanical properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was investigated. UHMWPE polymer samples were bombarded with 150 keV N2ions under vacuum at room temperature to high fluences ranging from 1x1016to 2x1017ions cm-2. The untreated as well as treated samples were investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer and Vickers micro-hardness techniques. The direct and indirect optical band gap decreased from 2.9 and 1.65 eV for pristine sample to 1.7 and 1 eV for those bombarded with N2ion beam at the highest fluence, respectively. With increasing ion fluence, an increase in the number of carbon atoms per conjugation length, N and number of carbon atoms per cluster, M in a formed cluster were observed. A significant improvement in surface hardness was obtained by increasing the ion fluence.


Author(s):  
S P Ho ◽  
L Riester ◽  
M Drews ◽  
T Boland ◽  
M LaBerge

This paper investigates the elastic modulus and hardness of untreated and treated compression-moulded ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial inserts of a total knee replacement (TKR) prosthesis. Investigations were carried out at a nanoscale using a Nanoindenter™ at penetration depths of 100, 250 and 500 nm. The nanomechanical properties of surface and subsurface layers of the compression-moulded tibial inserts were studied using the untreated UHMWPE. The nanomechanical properties of intermediate and core layers of the compression-moulded tibial insert were studied using the cryoultrasectioned and etched UHMWPE treated samples. The cryoultrasectioning temperature (-150°C) of the samples was below the glass transition temperature, Tg(-122± 2°C), of UHMWPE. The measurement of the mechanical response of crystalline regions within the nanostructure of UHMWPE was accomplished by removing the amorphous regions using a time-varying permanganic-etching technique. The percentage crystallinity of UHMWPE was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the Tg of UHMWPE was determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to assess the effect of surface preparation on the samples average surface roughness, Ra. In this study, it was demonstrated that the untreated UHMWPE samples had a significantly lower ( p<0.0001) elastic modulus and hardness relative to treated UHMWPE cryoultrasectioned and etched samples at all penetration depths. No significant difference ( p > 0.05) in elastic modulus and hardness between the cryoultrasectioned and etched samples was observed. These results suggest that the surface nanomechanical response of an UHMWPE insert in a total joint replacement (TJR) prosthesis is significantly lower compared with the bulk of the material. Additionally, it was concluded that the nanomechanical response of material with higher percentage crystallinity (67 per cent) was predominantly determined by the crystalline regions within the semi-crystalline UHMWPE nanostructure.


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarek Dayyoub ◽  
Leonid K. Olifirov ◽  
Dilyus I. Chukov ◽  
Sergey D. Kaloshkin ◽  
Evgeniy Kolesnikov ◽  
...  

Since obtaining a highly oriented structure based on a large-scale commercial ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is considered very difficult due to its high molecular weight and melting index, modifying the structure of these cheap commercial UHMWPE brands into a supra-molecular structure with fiber-forming properties by adding a small amount of polyethylene wax (PE-wax) will provide the possibility to obtain highly oriented UHMWPE products with enhanced mechanical and tribological properties. In this work, highly oriented UHMWPE/PE-wax films were prepared. The PE-wax affected the UHMWPE as an intermolecular lubricant. The obtained lamellar structure of the UHMWPE/PE-wax composites had a better processability. The UHMWPE and UHMWPE/PE-wax structures for the xerogels and the films were studied by using differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The PE-wax presence enhanced the mechanical properties of the UHMWPE/PE-wax films to a high degree. The highest average value of the tensile strength was 1320 MPa (an increase of 78%) obtained by adding a PE-wax content of 1.0 wt.%, and the highest average value of the Young’s modulus was 56.8 GPa (an increase of 71%) obtained by adding a PE-wax content of 2.0 wt.%. The addition of the PE-wax increased the work of fracture values of the UHMWPE/PE-wax films up to 233%. The formation of the cavities was observed in the virgin UHMWPE films more than in the UHMWPE/PE-wax films, and the whitening of the oriented films was related to the crystallization process more than to the cavitation phenomenon. The coefficient of friction of the oriented UHMWPE/PE-wax films improved by 33% in comparison with the isotropic UHMWPE, and by 7% in comparison with the oriented virgin UHMWPE films.


Author(s):  
H. C. Wang ◽  
C. Sung ◽  
J. Hamilton

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is widely used in many orthopedic applications because of its good mechanical properties and excellent biocompatability. Mechanical properties are related to its ultra-high molecular weight, but the presence of defects in morphology will cause a decrease in these properties. The aim of this study was to characterize the microstructure and microchemistry of so-called “fusion defects”, observed by optical transmission microscopy, using SEM along with EDXS analysis. The fractured surface of UHMWPE was also studied.Defects similar to those found in commercially prepared UHMWPE were detected in the hot-pressed and extruded samples prepared at U-Mass Lowell using GUR 412. They consist of holes or cavities and sometimes appear to be circular in shape and are composed of variously sized small holes. The size of the defects is around 100 μm in diameter which is similar to the particle size of the raw powders.


Author(s):  
Romaneh Jalilian ◽  
David Mudd ◽  
Neil Torrez ◽  
Jose Rivera ◽  
Mehdi M. Yazdanpanah ◽  
...  

Abstract The sample preparation for transmission electron microscope can be done using a method known as "lift-out". This paper demonstrates a method of using a silver-gallium nanoneedle array for a quicker sharpening process of tungsten probes with better sample viewing, covering the fabrication steps and performance of needle-tipped probes for lift-out process. First, an array of high aspect ratio silver-gallium nanoneedles was fabricated and coated to improve their conductivity and strength. Then, the nanoneedles were welded to a regular tungsten probe in the focused ion beam system at the desired angle, and used as a sharp probe for lift-out. The paper demonstrates the superior mechanical properties of crystalline silver-gallium metallic nanoneedles. Finally, a weldless lift-out process is described whereby a nano-fork gripper was fabricated by attaching two nanoneedles to a tungsten probe.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2303
Author(s):  
Congyu Zhong ◽  
Liwen Cao ◽  
Jishi Geng ◽  
Zhihao Jiang ◽  
Shuai Zhang

Because of its weak cementation and abundant pores and cracks, it is difficult to obtain suitable samples of tectonic coal to test its mechanical properties. Therefore, the research and development of coalbed methane drilling and mining technology are restricted. In this study, tectonic coal samples are remodeled with different particle sizes to test the mechanical parameters and loading resistivity. The research results show that the particle size and gradation of tectonic coal significantly impact its uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus and affect changes in resistivity. As the converted particle size increases, the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus decrease first and then tend to remain unchanged. The strength of the single-particle gradation coal sample decreases from 0.867 to 0.433 MPa and the elastic modulus decreases from 59.28 to 41.63 MPa with increasing particle size. The change in resistivity of the coal sample increases with increasing particle size, and the degree of resistivity variation decreases during the coal sample failure stage. In composite-particle gradation, the proportion of fine particles in the tectonic coal sample increases from 33% to 80%. Its strength and elastic modulus increase from 0.996 to 1.31 MPa and 83.96 to 125.4 MPa, respectively, and the resistivity change degree decreases. The proportion of medium particles or coarse particles increases, and the sample strength, elastic modulus, and resistivity changes all decrease.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 404
Author(s):  
Nur Sharmila Sharip ◽  
Hidayah Ariffin ◽  
Tengku Arisyah Tengku Yasim-Anuar ◽  
Yoshito Andou ◽  
Yuki Shirosaki ◽  
...  

The major hurdle in melt-processing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) nanocomposite lies on the high melt viscosity of the UHMWPE, which may contribute to poor dispersion and distribution of the nanofiller. In this study, UHMWPE/cellulose nanofiber (UHMWPE/CNF) bionanocomposites were prepared by two different blending methods: (i) melt blending at 150 °C in a triple screw kneading extruder, and (ii) non-melt blending by ethanol mixing at room temperature. Results showed that melt-processing of UHMWPE without CNF (MB-UHMWPE/0) exhibited an increment in yield strength and Young’s modulus by 15% and 25%, respectively, compared to the Neat-UHMWPE. Tensile strength was however reduced by almost half. Ethanol mixed sample without CNF (EM-UHMWPE/0) on the other hand showed slight decrement in all mechanical properties tested. At 0.5% CNF inclusion, the mechanical properties of melt-blended bionanocomposites (MB-UHMWPE/0.5) were improved as compared to Neat-UHMWPE. It was also found that the yield strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus, toughness and crystallinity of MB-UHMWPE/0.5 were higher by 28%, 61%, 47%, 45% and 11%, respectively, as compared to the ethanol mixing sample (EM-UHMWPE/0.5). Despite the reduction in tensile strength of MB-UHMWPE/0.5, the value i.e., 28.4 ± 1.0 MPa surpassed the minimum requirement of standard specification for fabricated UHMWPE in surgical implant application. Overall, melt-blending processing is more suitable for the preparation of UHMWPE/CNF bionanocomposites as exhibited by their characteristics presented herein. A better mechanical interlocking between UHMWPE and CNF at high temperature mixing with kneading was evident through FE-SEM observation, explains the higher mechanical properties of MB-UHMWPE/0.5 as compared to EM-UHMWPE/0.5.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2018
Author(s):  
Muhammad Samsuri ◽  
Ihsan Iswaldi ◽  
Purba Purnama

Stereocomplexation is one of several approaches for improving polylactide (PLA) properties. The high molecular weight of poly L-lactide (PLLA) and poly D-lactide (PDLA) homopolymers are a constraint during the formation of stereocomplex PLAs (s-PLAs). The presence of s-PLA particles in PLA PLLA/PDLA blends can initiate the formation of s-PLA crystalline structures. We used the solution casting method to study the utilization of s-PLA materials from high molecular weight PLLA/PDLA blends for increasing s-PLA formation. The s-PLA particles initiated the formation of high molecular weight PLLA/PDLA blends, obtaining 49.13% s-PLA and 44.34% of the total crystalline fraction. In addition, the mechanical properties were enhanced through s-PLA crystalline formation and the increasing of total crystallinity of the PLLA/PDLA blends. The s-PLA particles supported initiation for s-PLA formation and acted as a nucleating agent for PLA homopolymers. These unique characteristics of s-PLA particles show potential to overcome the molecular weight limitation for stereocomplexation of PLLA/PDLA blends.


Marine Drugs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 591
Author(s):  
Bożena Grimling ◽  
Bożena Karolewicz ◽  
Urszula Nawrot ◽  
Katarzyna Włodarczyk ◽  
Agata Górniak

Chitosans represent a group of multifunctional drug excipients. Here, we aimed to estimate the impact of high-molecular weight chitosan on the physicochemical properties of clotrimazole–chitosan solid mixtures (CL–CH), prepared by grinding and kneading methods. We characterised these formulas by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and powder X-ray diffractometry, and performed in vitro clotrimazole dissolution tests. Additionally, we examined the antifungal activity of clotrimazole–chitosan mixtures against clinical Candida isolates under neutral and acid conditions. The synergistic effect of clotrimazole and chitosan S combinations was observed in tests carried out at pH 4 on Candida glabrata strains. The inhibition of C. glabrata growth reached at least 90%, regardless of the drug/excipient weight ratio, and even at half of the minimal inhibitory concentrations of clotrimazole. Our results demonstrate that clotrimazole and high-molecular weight chitosan could be an effective combination in a topical antifungal formulation, as chitosan acts synergistically with clotrimazole against non-albicans candida strains.


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