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Wetting modifications of uhmwpe surfaces induced by ion implantation |
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| Authors: | L Torrisi C Gentile AM Visco N Campo |
| Institution: | 1. Physics Department , University of Messina , Ctr. Sperone 31, I-98166, S. Agata, Messina, Italy;2. Industrial Chemistry and Materials Engineering Department , University of Messina , Ctr. Sperone 31, I-98166, S. Agata, Messina, Italy |
| Abstract: | Ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE) surfaces are characterized in terms of roughness and wetting. Changes in the surface morphology of the polymer were induced macroscopically by mechanical friction and microscopically by ion implantation. The ion irradiation was obtained by using 300?keV Xe+ beams with doses ranging between 1014 and 1015?ions/cm2. Roughness and wetting measurements were performed in order to investigate the UHMWPE surface properties before and after the surface treatments. The wetting angle of the polymeric surface increases with the decrease of the roughness and with the increase of the absorbed dose. Results are discussed from the point of view of the biological reactions that could degrade the UHMWPE biocompatible surfaces employed in different mobile prostheses. |
| Keywords: | UHMWPE Ion implantation Wetting angle Surface tension Biocompatible surface |