Performance evaluation of chitosan/hydroxyapatite composite coating on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 32; no. 1; pp. 32 - 37
• Main Authors: Arizmendi-Morquecho, A., Chávez-Valdez, A., Navarro, C.H., Moreno, K.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kindlington Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adhesion strength; Applied sciences; Chitosan; Coatings; Composite coatings; Composites; CTS/HA coating; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Friction; Hydroxyapatite; Micro-hardness indentation; Microhardness; Performance evaluation; Polyethylenes; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Wear; Micro-hardness indentation; CTS/HA coating; Friction; Wear; Adhesion strength; Ultra high molecular weight ethylene polymer; Adhesivity; Vickers hardness; Polyethylene; Coating material; Sliding wear; Solid solid interface; Mechanical properties; Hydroxyapatite; Tensile property; Experimental study; Microhardness; Composite material; Morphology; Surface properties; Olefin polymer; Oside polymer; Chitosan; Tribology
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2012.10.002

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the performance of chitosan/hydroxyapatite (CTS/HA) coatings on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). We focused on adhesion measurements, micro-hardness indentation, friction and wear tests. Using commercial compounds of medical grade, CTS/HA composite was prepared by a simple mixture using acetic acid as solvent. The CTS/HA solution obtained was used to prepare coatings on UHMWPE substrates by the immersion method. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) results showed that the composite coating had flake-like morphology characteristic of chitosan and calcium phosphate powders with a porous structure. The adhesion strength between CTS-HA coating and UHMWPE was approximately 0.15 MPa, according the ASTM D5179 method. The micro-hardness of CTS/HA coating on UHMWPE was evaluated by using a Vickers hardness tester, while friction and wear were studied by a pin-on-disk method in dry conditions.