Replication study of molded micro-textured samples made of Ultra- High Molecular Weight Polyethylene for medical application

Polymeric components in articular joint implants are usually exploited to guarantee low friction and wear, high load bearing capacity, impact strength and stiffness, and biocompatibility. Micro-structuring of on-contact sliding surfaces can drastically reduce the friction and wear by promoting hydrostatic friction due to synovial fluid at the components interface. In these applications, Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a suitable material, but its current manufacturing process hinders surface micro-texturing. In the present study, the microtexturing surface replication capability of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene via injection moulding is investigated considering four different micro-textures fabricated on a steel mould by micro-EDM milling. The results show that the injection molding allows to obtain a good replication capability.