Morphological and thermo-mechanical performance evaluation of rGO-modified ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene polymeric composites for artificial bio-bearing application

Abstract

The fields of dentistry and orthopaedics have demonstrated considerable enthusiasm for Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites due to their improved thermal and mechanical properties. This study describes a modified fabrication method for a novel thermoplastic hybrid composite loaded by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticles. The composite is designed specifically for biomaterial applications subjected to sustained loading conditions. The fabrication procedure involved the manufacture of specimens with varied percentages of rGO content (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 wt%) using liquid-phase ultrasonication (LPU) followed by hot press molding (HPM). The resulting composites were examined using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Compression testing. A detailed understanding of the relationship between structure and properties is necessary to develop various load-bearing components (Finger joints, knee joints, hip joints). Accordingly, performing an in-depth analysis of the viscoelastic properties of the composite is highly desirable for bio-bearing components. According to DMA results at 37°C, the 1 wt.% rGO /UHMWPE nanocomposite is superior to pure UHMWPE in terms of storage modulus (79.55%) and Compressive modulus of 0.5 GPa. The fracture morphology of the impact samples was examined using a SEM test. The results demonstrated the superior characteristics of the 1wt% rGO/UHMWPE nanocomposite over the pure UHMWPE. The implications of the modified UHMWPE composite, incorporating rGO, extend to applications such as prostheses, joint replacements, and components for Artificial Bio-Bearing (ABB). The loading of rGO into UHMWPE bio-bearing materials has enhanced their dynamic mechanical and compression abilities, allowing them to be used in a wider variety of human body parts.