Collaborative Research: Tribologically Durable UHMWPE Nanocomposites for Total Joint Replacements: Nano-mechanics and Bio-tribological Modeling

合作研究：用于全关节置换的耐磨超高分子量聚乙烯纳米复合材料：纳米力学和生物摩擦学建模。该奖项由2009年美国复苏和再投资法案（公法111-5）资助。本课题的研究目的是研究全关节置换术中石墨UHMWPE纳米复合材料的纳米力学和生物摩擦学方面的问题，并为设计耐磨材料建立模型，从而延长假体植入物的使用寿命。提高全关节置换术中超高分子量聚乙烯（UHMWPE）部件耐磨性的传统方法是通过辐照交联UHMWPE材料，然后再熔融。这些方法导致了严重的问题，如疲劳强度和韧性降低，以及在最具生物活性的尺寸范围内产生磨损碎片，引起了对骨溶解、骨吸收和植入物松动的担忧。本项目旨在通过对新开发的石墨纳米材料增强的耐久超高分子量聚乙烯纳米复合材料的纳米力学和生物摩擦学建模研究来解决这些问题。这项研究将为人工关节中使用的聚合物材料提供一种新的设计方法，从而产生最佳的UHWMPE纳米复合材料，并大大延长全关节置换的预期寿命。如果成功，该项目的结果将为设计和开发耐磨的超高分子量聚乙烯材料提供基础，这种材料可以延长各种人工关节的使用寿命，以满足广泛的患者需求。这项研究将对生物工程、纳米技术、材料科学、医疗保健系统能力和整个社会都有好处和贡献。它还将为新州和西澳的多层次教育做出贡献。该项目将直接涉及本科生和研究生，并将为两所大学的课程开发带来新的讲座。美国土著部落大学生、妇女和少数民族学生将通过夏季研讨会从这项研究中受益

Collaborative Research: Tribologically Durable UHMWPE Nanocomposites for Total Joint Replacements: Nano-mechanics and Bio-tribological Modeling This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The research objective of this project is to study the nano-mechanics and bio-tribology aspects of graphitic UHMWPE nanocomposites for total joint replacements, and to establish models for the design of tribologically durable materials that can provide longer life expectancy for prosthetic implants. The conventional method for increasing wear resistance of UHMWPE components of total joint replacements is crosslinking UHMWPE material by irradiation followed by re-melting. These methods have resulted in severe problems such as reduced fatigue strength and toughness, as well as the generation of wear debris in the most biologically active size range, raising concerns of osteolysis, bone resorption, and implant loosening. This project aims at solving those problems through studies of nano-mechanics and bio-tribological modeling for durable UHMWPE nanocomposites reinforced by newly developed graphitic nanomaterials. This research will result in a new design methodology for polymer materials used in artificial joints, and thus lead to optimal UHWMPE nanocomposites and dramatically extended life expectancy for total joint replacements. If successful, the results of this project will provide a base for design and development of tribologically durable UHMWPE materials that can lead to longer life spans for a variety of artificial joints to meet a wide range of patient needs. This research will benefit and contribute to bio-engineering, nanotechnology, materials science, heath care system capability, and our society at large. It will also contribute to multi-level education in both ND and WA states. This project will directly involve both undergraduate and graduate students, and will also lead to new lectures for course development in both universities. Native American tribal college students, woman and minority students will benefit from this research through summer workshops