Antioxidant doping of crosslinked polymers to form non-eluting bearing components
US8641959B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/7532
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods provide a non-eluting antioxidant doped UHMWPE in the form of an implant bearing component. The process includes the steps of: (a) providing a preform; (b) irradiating the preform with γ-irradiation to crosslink the UHMWPE; (c) doping the crosslinked preform by exposing it to an antioxidant composition at a temperature below the melting point of the UHMWPE; (d) removing the doped material from contact with the antioxidant composition; and then (e) annealing by heating the doped material at a temperature above 30° C. and below the melting point of the UHMWPE; followed by (f) making an implant bearing component from the doped material, wherein at least 1 mm but no more than about 15 mm of material are removed to make the component.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.