Effect of catalyst on the wear resistance and physicomechanical properties of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene liners for large joint endoprostheses
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty remains a key treatment for arthritis, and the choice of bearing materials is critical to implant longevity. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) remains the primary material for liners. The most common catalytic complexes for medical UHMWPE are titanium- or vanadium-based systems, which provide high molecular weight and a narrow molecular weight distribution that determine the tribological and mechanical properties of implants. AIM: To compare the physical, mechanical, tribological, wear-resistant, and biomedical properties of UHMWPE for joint endoprosthesis liners produced with vanadium- and titanium-based catalytic complexes. METHODS: In a single-center, prospective, controlled experimental study conducted from January to December 2025, we evaluated the physicomechanical, tribological, wear-resistant, and biomedical properties of an experimental UHMWPE. The UHMWPE was synthesized using titanium and vanadium chloride catalysts. The results were compared with commercial UHMWPE grades from Ticona. Safety was assessed in in vivo studies with small laboratory animals. RESULTS: Experimental UHMWPE samples produced with titanium and vanadium catalytic complexes showed wear resistance, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility comparable to or better than commercial grades (GUR 1020, GUR 1050). Under abrasive wear, the lowest mass loss was recorded for UHMWPE with the vanadium catalyst (0.57 ± 0.02 g), while titanium-catalyzed UHMWPE showed losses of 0.65 ± 0.02 g and 0.68 ± 0.02 g (analogous to GUR 1050 and GUR 1020, respectively). Sliding tests showed the smallest volume loss for vanadium-catalyzed samples. Titanium-catalyzed samples also showed lower wear than commercial analogs. Tensile strength and elastic modulus were comparable to or exceeded commercial values. Vanadium-catalyzed UHMWPE exhibited slightly higher tensile strength (59 MPa versus 50 MPa), while titanium-catalyzed UHMWPE had significantly lower ash content (40 mg/kg versus 110 mg/kg) and trace element levels. Histological analysis after implantation confirmed biocompatibility of UHMWPE from both catalytic systems. CONCLUSION: Both catalytic systems can be used to synthesize medical-grade UHMWPE that meets GOST R ISO5834-1 ash content requirements with characteristics comparable to the commercial products GUR 1020 and GUR 1050 (Chirulen brand).
DOI: 10.17816/vto706418
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204229039