Characteristic modification of UHMWPE by laser-assisted ion implantation

The purpose of this work is the characteristic modification by ion implantation of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, and a preliminary study of its surface. This biomedical material has been chosen for its excellent chemical and physical properties. An ultraviolet-pulsed laser of 248 nm was employed to produce, by laser ablation, C and Ti ions of different charges with current densities of the order of 10 mA/cm(2). The ions were accelerated by the application of a positive high voltage, 30 kV, on the target support to accelerate ions to implant the polyethylene surfaces up to a depth of about 200 nm. Preliminary results about surface properties indicate that implanted surfaces have higher wettability and micro-hardness values with respect to unimplanted ones.