Elucidation of the effects of antioxidant incorporation on molecular structure and mechanical properties in polyethylene hip joint prostheses

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K01316
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Biomedical engineering/Biomaterial science and engineering
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical University
• Principal Investigator: MASAOKA Toshinori 東京医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (70256270)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 高橋 康仁 東京医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (60567668) ; 宍戸 孝明 東京医科大学, 医学部, 准教授 (70266500) ; 立岩 俊之 東京医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (00424630) ; 山本 謙吾 東京医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (10246316)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 人工股関節 / 高度架橋ポリエチレン / ビタミンＥ / 微細構造 / 力学特性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Vitamin E (Vit-E) is a powerful antioxidant for highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) used in total hip arthroplasty. However, the effects of Vit-E incorporation on mechanical behavior of XLPE remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we attempted to explore mechanical role of Vit-E in XLPE acetabular liners on the molecular scale. The comparisons between Vit-E free/blended liners indicated that the presence of Vit-E might promote polyethylene chain mobility in the cross-linked structure, resulting in the significant surface anisotropy. Such aspects of antioxidant Vit-E blending would imply the possibility of the increased micromechanical wear through the strain-softening phenomena. Nevertheless, wear resistance could be further improved by the more rigid control of molecular movements.

Free Research Field

整形外科学