Poly(methyl methacrylate)/carbonated hydroxyapatite composite applied as coating on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/carbonated hydroxyapatite (PMMA/CHA) composite in the form of solution for its application as coating on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) substrate was studied. The coating has been prepared by mixing the carbonated hydroxyapatite in situ with the poly(methyl methacrylate) polymerization. The carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) was prepared by a conventional method. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique was used to study the hydroxyapatite synthesis and composite coating. The characterization of coating thickness was performed by light microscopy whereas the surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) finding out a rough coating with a thickness of 29 μm. We have performed a pin-on-disk test to investigate the wear and friction behavior of the PMMA/CHA coating in dry conditions with loads ranging from 2 to 10 N; the same methodology was applied to test the UHMWPE substrates for comparatives studies. We also estimate the wear rate values of PMMA/CHA coating at each load, which are found to be ranging from k = 3.75 × 10−5 to 8.13 × 10−5 mm3/Nm. Additionally, the adhesion strength value between PMMA/CHA coating and UHMWPE substrate was 0.89 MPa.

► Poly(methyl methacrylate)/carbonated hydroxyapatite (PMMA/CHA) coating on UHMWPE.
► Coating was prepared by mixing the CHA in situ with the PMMA polymerization.
► PMMA/CHA coating showed high strenght adhesion on UHMWPE substrates.
► Wear and friction behavior of the PMMA/CHA was investigated.