Patent · US Expired

Self-reinforced ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composite medical implants

US5834113A · kind A · utility

39Cited by
6References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 7, 1995
Grant dateNov 10, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 7, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/31855
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention provides composites of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene reinforced with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene anisotropic reinforcement of high strength and modulus. The composites have superior mechanical properties relative to non-filled ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, including higher strength, impact strength, increased creep resistance, and improved modulus. The composites may be sterilized for biomedical use, using gamma radiation and other techniques. Further, the composites are resistant to the effect of body fluids and have lower creep rates so that they will provide implant life. The composites may be cross-linked by exposure to an acetylene environment. Also, the composites find use in other high strength, high impact applications such as sports equipment.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.