IMPROVEMENT IN MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ZIRCONIUM NANOPARTICLES LOADED POLYMER COMPOSITES FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a widely accepted polymer matrix in the biomedical sector to develop different types of prostheses, joint replacement, and implant applications. It is feasible due to improved mechanical, chemically stabilized, and wear performances. However, it still fails to achieve the required standards for ortho applications. High mechanical properties are needed in orthopedic components due to continuous load-bearing applications such as hip joints, knee, and shoulder joints. This paper focuses on enhancing UHMWPE’s mechanical properties by loading two different weight percentages (5% and 10%) of nanosized Zirconium particles. The capability of the proposed bio-nano composite was evaluated through various mechanical experiments, including assessments of Shore durometer (Shore D) hardness, tensile strength, and flexural strength. Microstructural features of the fracture surfaces of the tensile specimens were comprehensively examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dispersion state of zirconium oxide nanofillers inside the UHMWPE matrix was also determined by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The EDX findings indicated a more uniform and well-distributed dispersion of zirconium particles at a lower concentration of 5[Formula: see text]wt.% compared to the 10[Formula: see text]wt.% nanofiller incorporation. This finding suggests zirconia with 5[Formula: see text]wt.% incorporation have a low tendency to aggregate and facilitate stronger bonding between the nanofillers and the polymer matrix. Furthermore, it was observed that UHMWPE was mixed with 5[Formula: see text]wt.% ZrO 2 and possesses superior mechanical capabilities due to increased filler/matrix adhesion. In addition, XRD shows the zirconium-filled composite phases. The findings revealed that ZrO 2 was efficiently diffused in the UHMWPE matrix, enhancing the required mechanical performance to produce high-quality biomaterials with better strength and extended life expectancy. The obtained results could be used to fabricate sustainable biomaterial for hip joint acetabular cup components.