Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene

Two new grades of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) contain vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), a biocompatible antioxidant that provides effective oxidation stability. Prosthetic implants are often sterilized by irradiation; the vitamin E in the polymer reduces a prosthetic’s susceptibility to oxidation that normally occurs in this process. The material has high impact strength, as well as high abrasion, fatigue and crack resistance. This biocompatible thermoplastic meets the standards of the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), Class IV, and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).