Morphology and Mechanical Properties of a Novel Family of Porous Polymer Based on UHMW Polyethylene for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The objective of the research was to develop and study the properties of porous Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) Polyethylene for biomedical applications. The process, based on the leaching technique does not require any modification in the processing equipment, is environmentally friendly and use raw materials approved by the FDA for in vivo medical applications. It is possible to produce porous polymers having predetermined pore size, pore shape and porosity using the leaching technique. The pores are interconnected and well distributed throughout the three dimensional volume of the sample. The size, shape and content of the porogen in the molding mixture greatly affect the physical properties of the pores in the final porous sample. Maximum porosity of 60% was obtained. The developed porous UHMW polyethylene, which is permeable for liquids, can be used as a substrate matrix in bone regeneration and in hip and knee joint replacements. The porous implants with adequate lubrication would prevent the formation of polymer debris due to friction and thereby increase the life of the biomedical implants. The new generation of porous polymers developed could be used in a wide range of applications.