Development of reduced Graphene oxide modified Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (rGO/UHMWPE) based Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are widely used as a biomaterial for manufacturing of prostheses, implants and other biomedical components with complex geometry and shapes. Continuous loading of these components subject to heavy stress and deformation resistance should have enhanced mechanical and chemical properties. This paper aims to improve the mechanical and thermal aspects of the conventional UHMWPE by supplementing reduced Graphene oxide (rGO) in varying weight percentages to develop polymer bio nanocomposite samples. The effect of green synthesized GO nanoparticles in the UHMWPE polymer was investigated for biomedical application. The rGO was distributed in a UHMWPE matrix using a unique and optimized technique to create high-performance nanocomposites. The proposed UHMWPE filled with different loading (0, 0.5, 1.0,1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 wt.%) of rGO was produced by Ultrasonication in an acetone medium. The findings suggest that evenly distributed rGO layers were present throughout the polymer matrix. This, in turn, indicates a good connection between the fillers and matrix by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX), resulting in better composite capabilities. The layers of rGO-aided lamellar arrangements and microfibers between the crystals were observed in the results. The Microhardness of the bio nanocomposite (1 Wt.% rGO/UHMWPE) with 1wt.% rGO in the UHMWPE matrix increased by 2.8% compared to an unfilled polymer. At the same rGO concentration, the bio nanocomposite had a crystallization degree of 46.96%. To achieve optimal performance, rGO content of 1wt.% was added to the sample, which is ideal in many situations where good mechanical and thermal qualities are required during operation. The outcomes reveal that the rGO supplement primarily boosts the thermo-mechanical performances of the modified bio-nano composites for orthopedic products.