Sifat Fisikokimia Biokomposit UHMWPE/HAp Pasca Iradiasi Berkas Elektron

Abstract

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) often used for tibial tray as part of artificial knee joint. The selection of recycled UHMWPE as alternative for manufacturing tibial tray is due to its low cost compared to the pure UHMWPE of Sigma Aldrich. Therefore, the purpose this research is to evaluate physicochemical properties of UHMWPE-HAp biocomposites post electron beam irradiation. Biocomposite films were irradiated at doses of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kGy. The effect of additional HAp and irradiation on physicochemical properties were observed using various methods (tensile test, hardness test, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential calorimeter). The results showed that the recycled and the pure UHMWPE were similar in their properties. However, the addition of HAp and irradiation on the recycled UHMWPE, revealed higher hardness, crystallinity, and melting point, but lower elongation at break and maximum voltage as compared. FTIR results showed the formation of a new bond.