Mechanical Performance of Polyethylene Joints Based on Nanocomposites Doped with Titanium Dioxide

Two sheets of polyethylene (biomedical type) are welded by a diode laser; one of the two layers is doped with titanium dioxide nanoparticles at different concentrations in order to enhance the absorption coefficient at the laser wavelength. The doped nanocomposite plastic has the typical white color of pure polyethylene. Single-lap geometries are stressed by means of mechanical static lap shear and hardness tests in order to check the change induced by laser energy absorption and choose the best filler amount. These polymeric joints can be useful in biomedical field for the special features of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene and for the particular advantages of high sealing precision required in medical devices.