Electromagnetic and mechanical wave energy treatments of UHMWPE
AssigneeSmith & Nephew, Inc.
InventorRussell A. Johnson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process for reducing or quenching free radical concentration in irradiated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) using electromagnetic or mechanical wave energy.
Claims12
A process for quenching free radicals in an irradiated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) preform used as an orthopedic component, said process comprises:
- exposing said UHMWPE preform with pure or intense infrared radiation to promote recombination of said residual free radicals in said UHMWPE;
- controlling surface temperature of said UHMWPE preform during said irradiation so as to prevent degradation of said UHMWPE;
- and,
- cooling said UHMWPE preform to room temperature.
A process for treating an irradiated UHMWPE preform used as an orthopedic component, said process comprises:
- exposing said UHMWPE to ultrasonic wave energy to quench free radicals in said irradiated UHMWPE.
A process for quenching free radicals in an irradiated UHMWPE preform used as an orthopedic component, said process comprises:
- exposing said UHMWPE with pure or intense infrared radiation to promote recombination of said free radicals in said UHMWPE;
- and
- cooling said UHMWPE to room temperature.
A process of quenching free radicals in an irradiated UHMWPE preform used as an orthopedic component, said process comprises:
- applying an energy to effect resonation of a molecular bond in said irradiated UHMWPE.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.