White/light white polyethylene joints obtained by diode laser welding process

Diode laser source was successfully employed for the fabrication of joints comprising nanocomposites of biomedical-grade UHMWPE and small amounts of carbon nanoparticles. The joint with 0.016 wt% of filler exhibited mechanical shear strength of 169N and a light-white color, close to the typical milk-white color of polyethylene. A morphological study of the welded area had been performed. The laser energy produced a thermal effect on the heat-altered zone, thereby smoothening out the surface at a depth of about 1.5 mm. Moreover, surface roughness decreased and the permeability of the joint to biological fluids was enhanced.