ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Irradiation crosslinking can remarkably increase the abrasive performance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), thereby reducing its wear rate. OBJECTIVE: To review the recent progress in irradiated crosslinking UHMWPE. METHODS: A computer-based online search of ISI Web of knowledge was performed for articles related to irradiated crosslinking UHMWPE published from January1995 to April 2012 using the keywords of“irradiation crosslinking UHMWPE” in English. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: At present, domestic studies on irradiation crosslinking of UHMWPE mainly focus on the wear resistance, oxidation resistance and mechanical properties. Under high-energy radiation, radicals generate from the UHMWPE, which are inter-crosslinked. Irradiation crosslinking dramatical y enhances the UHMWPE wear resistance, while reduces its oxidation resistance and mechanical properties. In the future, the research wil focus on how to develop new UHMWPE composite with good wear resistance, oxidation resistance and mechanical properties.