Mechanical and wear performances of UHMWPE composites used for orthopaedic applications– A review

When utilised in arthroplasty applications, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), the gold standard material for artificial joints, creates wear debris. The life of UHMWPE joints is generally restricted to 15–20 years due to unfavourable interactions of wear debris with surrounding tissues. Various attempts have been made in recent decades to enhance the material's wear resistance and performance. This study looks at the changes that have been made to increase its mechanical characteristics and wear resistance. Functionalization techniques, enhanced surface or bulk properties, and their various applications in medical implant fields (total hip arthroplasty, bone tissue engineering, joint implants) have all been extensively studied. A descriptive study of pure UHMWPE and its composite has been conducted in order to functionalize the features of medical implants.