Manufacture and mechanical properties of knee implants using SWCNTs/UHMWPE composites

Abstract

This article focuses on obtaining ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material reinforced with functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (f-SWCNTs) and the manufacturing of unicompartmental knee implants via Single-Point Incremental Forming process (SPIF). The physicochemical properties of the developed UHMWPE reinforced with 0.01 and 0.1 wt% concentrations of f-SWCNTs are investigated using Raman and Thermogravimetic Analysis (TGA). Tensile mechanical tests performed in the nanocomposite material samples reveal a 12% improvement in their Young's modulus when compare to that of the pure UHMWPE material samples. Furthermore, the surface biocompatibility of the UHMWPE reinforced with f-SWCNTs materials samples was evaluated with human osteoblast cells. Results show cell viability enhancement with good cell growth and differentiation after 14 incubation days, that validates the usefulness of the developed nanocomposite material in the production of hip and knee artificial implants, and other biomedical applications.

Keywords: Arthroplasty applications; Human osteoblast cells; Knee implants; Single point incremental forming process; Single wall carbon nanotubes; Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.