Investigation of mechanical properties of UHMWPE composites reinforced with HAP+TiO2 fabricated by solvent dispersing technique

This work seeks to contribute to solving the problems of inadequate artificial joint design from the mechanical perspective in total joint replacement (TJR) surgery. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/hydroxyapatite (HAP) + titanium dioxide (TiO2) hybrid composites were fabricated and tested for use as artificial cartilages in the total joint prosthesis. Different amounts of TiO2 (1–10 wt%) and fixed amount of HAP (20 wt%) were dispersed in UHMWPE-based nanocomposites due to obtaining a material easy to be processed, inexpensive, with remarkable mechanical properties, and good cells interaction. The UHMWPE/HAP + TiO2 composites were prepared by using the solvent dispersing technique and twin-screw mixer, followed by hot compression molding, then mechanical testing was performed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are used to study the effect of the additives and the dispersion quality of the composites. The solvent dispersing technique shows better dispersion of the additives in the polymer matrix. The composites show an increase in Young's modulus, hardness, and flexural strength, by 71%, 33%, and 95% respectively concerning neat UHMWPE. The composite contains 3 wt% TiO2 showing the best enhancement percentage.