The effect of irradiation, annealing temperature, and artificial aging on the oxidation, mechanical properties, and fracture mechanisms of UHMWPE.
UHMWPE crosslinked using Gamma radiation is believed to have improved wear properties, and this has been extensively studied during the past 10 years. Mechanical properties, oxidation, and wear properties of UHMWPE materials subjected to various thermal treatments have been investigated immediately after irradiation as well as after several years of aging. Nevertheless, the relationship between al