Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene
AssigneeHowmedica International Inc.
InventorChristina Doyle
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Abstract
A Process is described in which the polymer is passed over a former under hydro-static pressure, which may involve passing the material over a die or series of dies for the purpose of imposing multi-axial expansion to the workpiece. Some of the advantages are increased stiffness and reduction in creep. Improved wear is also found.
Claims10
A method of preparing components having improved wear quality of a wear surface made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with molecular weight greater than 1,000,000 comprising subjecting a workpiece to solid phase deformation in at least the longitudinal direction and the hoop direction by forming a tube by passing the polyethylene workpiece over a mandrel of increasing diameter over its length to cause orientation of polyethylene chains in said two directions, said deformation in said two directions, having a deformation ratio of 1.3 to 1.9 and taking the wear surface from close to the internal diameter of the formed tube by machining components from the tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.