Elementary Study of Modifying UHMWPE with Schiff Base Copper Complex for the Use as an Artificial Hip Joint Material

Abstract

Elementary micro-tribological test for UHMWPE modified with 15 wt% of Schiff base copper complex (Cu(II) chelate of bissalicylaldehyde-ethylenediamine rubbed by titanium alloy showed that a reduction of 20% friction coefficient when compared with the pure UHMWPE/titanium alloy pair under the condition of dry friction. Under a simulating loading level of an artificial hip joint, the highest frication coefficient of the modified UHMWPE pairing with steel was 15% lower than its pure UHMWPE/steel pairing counterpart. Furthermore, wear of the modified UHMWPE was very mild almost without any sign of worn debris even being run for a sufficiently long period, while the pure UHMWPE could run only for a very short period. Test results confirmed that the Cu(II) chelate of bissalicylaldehyde-ethylenediamine modifying UHMWPE was able to reduce friction, wear and debris during application. Besides excellent tribological characteristics, good biocompatibility of the modified UHMWPE was also demonstrated by a cell toxicity test in vitro. T Consequently, attempts to develop this modified UHMWPE for artificial joint is obviously beneficial.