Objective
Foreseen Results
A detailed investigation into the mechanisms responsible for this improvement will be carried out using XPS characterization methods. These data will be correlated to nano-indentation micro-mechanical property measurements and related tribological studies to achieve the following scientific objectives:
To characterize the mechanisms for the improved wear resistance of UHMWPE after ion implantation with nitrogen.
To determine the micro-mechanical properties of ion beam implanted UHMWPE including changes in friction, Young's modulus and scratch resistance.
To achieve a decrease consistently in the wear rate of UHMWPE under water lubricated conditions by two orders of magnitude and a corresponding reduction in the sliding friction coefficient.
The optimized ion implantation conditions will be used to treat and evaluate medical prostheses and water meters for potential use in the Romanian medical and water industries.
lt is well recognized that surface engineering, using ion beam technology, can significantly improve the tribological properties of metals and ceramics. However, there is little knowledge available concerning the effects of ion beams on polymeric materials. The present Project will focus on the scope for the improvement in the tribological properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene which is currently widely used, without surface treatment, for medical prostheses and for engineering components in water environments. It seeks to extend recent work at the University of Birmingham which has shown that the rate of wear of UHMPE after nitrogen implantation could effectively be reduced to essentially zero under water lubricated conditions.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
B15 2TT BIRMINGHAM
United Kingdom