Vitamin E effects on the wear resistance of UHMWPE sheets against an EBM-produced Ti6Al4V pin

The present article shows preliminary findings on the impact of adding vitamin E to polyethylene. Specimens of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene UHMWPE, both pure and modified with vitamin E, were produced and tested by a pin-on-disc apparatus. The specimens were analyzed using techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, Shore-D tests, optical microscopy, and surface profile measurements. To replicate the actual wear conditions in prosthetic joints, a pin made of Ti6Al4V, produced using electron beam melting, was used. The wear test results demonstrated that lubrication with simulated synovial fluid reduces debris volume. Furthermore, the addition of vitamin E to the polymer further reduced debris production.