Effects of Laser Drilling on the Surface Roughness and Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) of Ultra-high-molecular-weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Treated with Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Exposure
N. Verma, H. Pathak and S. Zafar
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is an important alternative over heavier metallic materials for total knee replacement (TKR). It is mainly used to manufacture the tibial component of TKR. This component is continuously subjected to various tribo-mechanical loads due to the routine kinematics of the patient. So, there may be chances of failure due to significant deformation and wear debris formation. To counter these deleterious incidences, ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure to UHMWPE is necessary to enhance the tribo-mechanical performance of UHMWPE before being used as a tibial in TKR. Tibial fixation with the TKR using locking screws is essential for the smooth functioning of TKR after implantation. A drilling study on pre- and post-UV exposed UHMWPE is necessary. Therefore, this manuscript focuses on the challenges associated with laser beam drilling of UHMWPE after UV exposure. The drilling quality of pre- and post-UV exposed specimens was compared regarding their surface roughness and heat affected zone.
Keywords: CO2 laser, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), ultraviolet (UV) radiation, cementless total knee replacement (TKR), laser beam drilling, surface roughness, heat affected zone (HAZ)