Optimizing UHMWPE/BaTiO₃ Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications: Role of Surface Functionalization in Enhancing Performance

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F68407700%3A21220%2F25%3A00383623" target="_blank" >RIV/68407700:21220/25:00383623 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

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DOI - Digital Object Identifier

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Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Optimizing UHMWPE/BaTiO₃ Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications: Role of Surface Functionalization in Enhancing Performance

Original language description

The advancement of sophisticated polymer nanocomposites for load-bearing orthopedic implants necessitates a combination of remarkable mechanical strength, wear resistance, and biocompatibility. This study focuses on the reinforcement of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with barium titanate (BaTiO₃) nanoparticles, aiming to produce nanocomposites that exhibit amended performance characteristics. The fabrication process employed solvent dispersion of the nanoparticles, followed by compression molding. A comprehensive evaluation was performed, which integrated mechanical testing, tribological analysis, and wettability assessment, in addition to further characterisations. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxicity assessments were performed to evaluate the potential for biomedical applications of the composite. The surface modification of fillers effectively enhances their interaction with the polymer matrix, improving the mechanical properties and wear resistance of composites, which is crucial for load-bearing applications in implants. Hence, to improve the interfacial compatibility, the surface functionalisation of BaTiO₃ nanoparticles was performed using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and the modified nanoparticles were subsequently incorporated into the UHMWPE matrix to fabricate functionalised composites. The effects of this functionalisation on material performance were systematically evaluated through a series of mechanical, tribological, and structural characterisations to confirm the success of the surface modification. Additionally, bioactivity tests were performed by immersing the composites in simulated body fluid to assess their ability to form hydroxyapatite, which can improve protein adhesion on the surface. The study demonstrated that unfunctionalised UHMWPE/BaTiO₃ nanocomposites possess advantageous mechanical properties, substantial wear resistance, and biocompatibility, rendering them suitable for orthopedic applications. Notably, surface functionalisation with APTES significantly enhanced the interfacial bonding between the polymer matrix and BaTiO₃ nanoparticles, resulting in improved mechanical properties when compared to the unfunctionalised composites. This research highlights the potential of both unfunctionalised and functionalised UHMWPE/BaTiO₃ nanocomposites for load- bearing implant applications, emphasising the considerable performance benefits achieved through surface functionalisation.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

O - Miscellaneous

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

20505 - Composites (including laminates, reinforced plastics, cermets, combined natural and synthetic fibre fabrics; filled composites)

Project

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Continuities

S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů