title: Properties of self-reinforced ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene composites.
abstract: The physical properties of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre/UHMWPE matrix composites have been characterized. It was found that the tensile strength and modulus, and creep resistance, were significantly increased after incorporating UHMWPE fibres into a UHMWPE matrix. The longitudinal tensile strength of the resulting self-reinforced composite increased with fibre content, according to the law of mixtures. The transverse strength did not change for fibre content of up to 7%. The double-notch impact strength of the composites was higher than plain UHMWPE. There was no difference in wear properties between the composites and plain UHMWPE. The cross-section and tensile fracture surfaces of the composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Overall results indicate that the self-reinforced UHMWPE composites may be good candidates for load-bearing biomedical applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, South Carolina 29634, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Deng
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Shalaby
mesh_terms: D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011095:Polyethylenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D011312:Pressure; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D011095:Polyethylenes