DEGRADATION AND FAILURE OF POLYETHYLENE JOINT COMPONENTS

本研究的目的是确定以下因素的综合影响： 关节失效时施加的载荷和化学降解 超高分子量聚乙烯总接头表面 替换组件。 将研究三个方面：1）循环 加载条件，这将导致小缺陷上和下的 关节面传播并产生表面损伤模式 由回收的材料上观察到的疲劳断裂机制产生 （2）发生化学降解的程度， 聚乙烯接头组件作为化学环境的函数， 化学降解对表面的影响 疲劳断裂机制产生的损伤模式。 这些研究 将建立对综合化学品的全面了解， 聚乙烯的机械和结构性能， 关节置换 目标是最大限度地提高长期绩效 聚乙烯关节组件。

The purpose of this research is to establish the combined effects of applied load and chemical degradation on failure of articulating surfaces of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene total joint replacement components. Three areas will be studied: 1) the cyclic loading conditions which will cause small defects on and below the articulating surface to propagate and create the surface damage modes generated by fatigue fracture mechanisms observed on retrieved components: 2) the extent of chemical degradation occurring to polyethylene joint components as a function of chemical environment and loading history; and 3) the effect of chemical degradation on surface damage modes generated by fatigue fracture mechanisms. These studies will establish a comprehensive understanding of the integrated chemical, mechanical and structural behavior of polyethylene as used in total joint replacements. The goal is to maximize the long-term performance of polyethylene joint components.