Research Projects

Recent advances in material science have enabled scientists and academicians to combine more than one element to make either a solid solution or a heterogeneous mixture that does not form a solid solution. This breakthrough advancement meets the present demand for high-specific strength, energy-saving, lightweight materials. This produces a novel polymer, Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a linear polyolefin with a molecular weight of around ( 104 to 106) g/mol, which demonstrates a combination of outstanding mechanical tribological and physical properties such as high specific strength, impact resistance, and low coefficient of friction coupled with good wear resistance. The excellent wear and impact resistance of this polymer is primarily because of its exceptionally long molecular chains and semi-crystalline solid-state structure. The current emphasis in the biomedical industries is on the utilization of innovative materials for biomedical implants, such as bone replacements, artificial joint implants, joint prostheses, spine implants, and other orthopedic applications. Among the diverse materials, medical-grade UHMWPE is going to rise rapidly in the global medical industry because of their exceptional biocompatibility, high thermal conductivity, toughness, outstanding wear and impact resistance, self-lubricating properties, biological inertness, and cost-effectiveness. The homopolymer UHMWPE has a strongly cross-linked structure and exhibits a crystallinity of about 90%. The constraint of UHMWPE in medical applications arises from its low melting point (130 °C–136 °C), which might be mitigated through reinforcement with nanoparticles. A comprehensive literature search suggests that there are only a few studies that focus on the development of UHMWPE nanocomposites intending to improve their mechanical, physical, and tribological properties. Thus, this research aims to develop medical-grade UHMWPE nanocomposites with excellent tribological characteristics and high specific strength. The developed materials will be targeted for diverse applications in medical implants, such as hip arthroplasty, joint implants, spinal implants, and bone tissue engineering. A powder metallurgy technique will be employed to synthesis the UHMWPE composites. The synthesizing of bulk UHMWPE nanocomposites will comprise sintering the nascent powder of UHMWPE and the nano-reinforcement into the mould and then compaction. The microstructural study will be conducted on the bulk sample of the UHMWPE composite. This work considers the synthesis and analysis of unique features of UHMWPE-nanocomposites, including specific strength, mechanical performance at elevated temperatures, ductility, and fracture behavior. Compressive and tensile tests, instrumented indentation, and micro-hardness testing and wear test will assess the mechanical properties of the developed materials.