Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
820918 | Composites Science and Technology | 2012 | 7 Pages |
Abstract
Sterilization of implants and other clinical accessories is an integral part of any medical application. Although many materials are used as implants, polyethylene stands unique owing to its versatility. Carbon nanotubes are being used as a filler material to enhance the properties of polyethylene. However, the role of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as an effective antioxidant and radical scavenger in resisting the deteriorating effects of sterilization is yet to be studied in detail. The present work is aimed to investigate the mechanical properties and oxidation stability of irradiated high density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced by MWCNTs with various concentrations such as 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00Â wt.%. The composites were exposed to 60Co source in air and irradiated at different dosage level starting from 25 to 100Â kGy and then shelf aged for a period of 120Â days prior to investigation. The loss in toughness, Young's modulus and ultimate strength at 100Â kGy for 1Â wt.% MWCNTs composite were found to be 21.5%, 20.3% and 19.2%, respectively compared to that of unirradiated composite. FTIR and ESR studies confirmed the antioxidant and radical scavenging potentialities of MWCNTs with increased concentration and irradiation dosage. It was found that by the addition of 1Â wt.% MWCNTs into virgin HDPE, the oxidation index of the composite at 100Â kGy was decreased by 56.2%. It is concluded that the addition of MWCNTs into polyethylene not only limits the loss of mechanical properties but also improves its post irradiation oxidative stability.
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Authors
P.S. Rama Sreekanth, N. Naresh Kumar, S. Kanagaraj,