Abstract
Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) artificial joint has remained the preferred polymer component in total joint replacement surgery. However, more and more concerns have been raised about the failure of UHMWPE components due to the initiation and propagation of cracks at the notches with fixed functions. For this reason, biaxial fatigue crack growth (FCG) experiments of UHMWPE reinforced by carbon nanofibers (CNF) and hydroxyapatite (HA) were carried out using elastic-plastic fracture mechanics theory. The FCG resistance of UHMWPE, UHMWPE/CNF, and UHMWPE/HA was compared, and the effects of stress ratio (R) value and phase difference on FCG rate were investigated. At the same time, the influence of loading path was considered, and the corresponding crack path was analyzed. Results suggest that UHMWPE/CNF has better FCG resistance and the FCG rate increases with the increase of R value and the existence of 180° phase difference. In addition, crack bifurcation behavior is not observed under nonproportional loading conditions. The findings in this study will provide experimental validation and data support for better clinical application of UHMWPE-modified materials.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
