Influence of α-Tocopherol Load and Annealing Treatment on the Wear Resistance of Biomedical UHMWPE Irradiated with Electron Beam

A biomedical UHMWPE electron beam irradiated in air with doses raging between 25 and 100 KGy was doped with different amounts of α-tocopherol (0.1–0.7 wt.%) to prevent oxidative degradation. The polymer was annealed just after the irradiation at 110° for 24 h. Physical and mechanical tests were performed on the UHMWPE before and after the irradiation and on neat or doped material. Results showed that heat treatment after irradiation improves cross-links in the UHMWPE and α-tocopherol has good antioxidant action. The UHMWPE blended with 0.7% of antioxidant became harder and more wear resistant (+52%) after the irradiation with 100 KGy.