INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT STERILIZATION TECH NIQUES ON THE OXIDATION OF UHMWPE

We investigated the influence of different sterilization techniques on the degree of oxidation of UHMWPE. Oxidation effects were documented by infrared spectroscopy. The UHMWPE was sterilized with the aid of ga mma radiation (2.5 Mrad) in air, gamma radiation in argon, ethylene ox ide and autoclaving. Non-sterilized UHMWPE served as control material. The results showed significant differences for the various sterilizat ion techniques employed. The highest degree of oxidation was seen afte r autoclaving, but gamma radiation was also associated with a signific ant degree of oxidation. Using gamma radiation in argon, the degree of oxidation was significantly reduced. Following sterilization with eth ylene oxide, no oxidation was to be found. In view of these facts, UHM WPE should be sterilized only with ethylene oxide or with gamma radiat ion in argon.