EXPERIMENTAL AND ANALYTICAL STUDY OF FUNCTIONALLY GRADED BLENDS FOR ARTIFICIAL HIP PROSTHETIC

Abstract

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear and bone resorption due to particle release led to hip replacement (THA) failure. This can be achieved by applying a functional gradient approach to environmentally friendly polymer blends (PLA and UHMWPE) layering and a porous layer using (PVA) with the mixture to form the top layer of PFGB. A hot press technique was used to study the structural buildup strategy of the blends. To ensure a smooth transition between the components, (UHMWPE) was used at a specific volume fraction as the core material. The wear mechanism was determined by pin-on-disc testing using Archard's wear equations. The chemical composition was analyzed by (FTIR). A comparative study was conducted using (FEM) to compare the experimental and analytical results. The study demonstrated better structural cohesion and diffusion of the blends, as well as reduced wear and abrasion rates with a volume fraction gradient. The coefficient of friction of (COF) layers improved by (4.71%, 3.64%, 3.28%, 3.6%, 1.8%, 0.05%), respectively, and the (FEM) values were in agreement with the experimental results.