1. Scope

1.1 This guide covers extensively crosslinked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) materials (fabricated forms) that are produced starting with virgin resin powders and consolidated forms meeting all the requirements of Test Method F 648.

1.2 This guide does not cover fabricated forms of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene which have received only gas plasma, ethylene oxide, or less than 40 kGy ionizing radiation treatments, that is, materials treated only by historical sterilization methods.

1.3 This guide pertains only to UHMWPE materials extensively crosslinked by gamma and electron beam sources of ionizing radiation.

1.4 The specific relationships between these mechanical properties and the in vivo performance of a fabricated form have not been determined. While trends are apparent, specific property-polymer structure and polymer-design relationships are not well understood. These mechanical tests are frequently used to evaluate the reproducibility of a fabrication procedure and are applicable for comparative studies of different materials.

1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 5, of this guide. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics

D1621 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics

D1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics

D2765 Test Methods for Determination of Gel Content and Swell Ratio of Crosslinked Ethylene Plastics

D3418 Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

E647 Test Method for Measurement of Fatigue Crack Growth Rates

F619 Practice for Extraction of Medical Plastics

F648 Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Powder and Fabricated Form for Surgical Implants

F748 Practice for Selecting Generic Biological Test Methods for Materials and Devices

F749 Practice for Evaluating Material Extracts by Intracutaneous Injection in the Rabbit

F756 Practice for Assessment of Hemolytic Properties of Materials

F763 Practice for Short-Term Screening of Implant Materials

F813 Practice for Direct Contact Cell Culture Evaluation of Materials for Medical Devices

F895 Test Method for Agar Diffusion Cell Culture Screening for Cytotoxicity

F981 Practice for Assessment of Compatibility of Biomaterials for Surgical Implants with Respect to Effect of Materials on Muscle and Bone

F2102 Guide for Evaluating the Extent of Oxidation in Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Fabricated Forms Intended for Surgical Implants

F2183 Test Method for Small Punch Testing of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Used in Surgical Implants

F2214 Test Method for In Situ Determination of Network Parameters of Crosslinked Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)

F2381 Test Method for Evaluating Trans-Vinylene Yield in Irradiated Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fabricated Forms Intended for Surgical Implants by Infrared Spectroscopy

ISO Standard

Keywords

fabricated forms; powdered form; ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 11.040.40 (Implants for surgery, prothetics and orthotics); 83.080.10 (Thermosetting materials)

DOI: 10.1520/F2565-06

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