Degree of oxidation and crystallinity of vacuum-packed and gamma-sterilized ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)

Authors
Jerosch, J Schmidt, T Haftka, S
Citation
J. Jerosch et al., Degree of oxidation and crystallinity of vacuum-packed and gamma-sterilized ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), BIOMED TECH, 43(12), 1998, pp. 350-353
Citations number
14
Categorie Soggetti
Research/Laboratory Medicine & Medical Tecnology
Journal title
BIOMEDIZINISCHE TECHNIK
ISSN journal
00135585 → ACNP
Volume
43
Issue
12
Year of publication
1998
Pages
350 - 353
Database
ISI
SICI code
0013-5585(199812)43:12<350:DOOACO>2.0.ZU;2-1
Abstract
The oxidation index of a new vacuum-packed and gamma sterilized UHMWPE was determined using infrared spectroscopy, and the crystallinity using differe ntial scanning calorimetry. The CO numbers ranged from 0.053 to 0.154 (mean : 0.098). Crystallinity values ranged between 63.1% and 63.8% (mean: 63.4%) . The low oxidation indices reflected the positive effect of vacuum gamma s terilization. What effect the small increase in crystallinity will have in the long run needs to be investigated in further studies.