Preparation, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of graphene oxide/ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene composites

• Published in: European polymer journal Vol. 48; no. 6; pp. 1026 - 1033
• Main Authors: Chen, Yuanfeng, Qi, Yuanyuan, Tai, Zhixin, Yan, Xingbin, Zhu, Fuliang, Xue, Qunji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biocompatibility; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Fabrication; fluorescence; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; GO/UHMWPE composites; Graphene; graphene oxide; hardness; humans; Mechanical properties; microstructure; molecular weight; osteoblasts; Oxides; polyethylene; Polyethylenes; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; scanning electron microscopes; Scanning electron microscopy; Technology of polymers; tetrazolium; ultrasonic treatment; viability; Fabrication; Mechanical properties; Biocompatibility; GO/UHMWPE composites; Biological properties; Ultra high molecular weight ethylene polymer; Mixing; Cytotoxicity; Crystallinity; Experimental study; Composite material; Morphology; Concentration effect; Ultrasound assisted process; Manufacturing
• ISSN: 0014-3057; 1873-1945
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2012.03.011

[Display omitted] ► Liquid-phase ultrasonication dispersion was used to disperse graphene oxide. ► The addition of graphene oxide increased the hardness of the composites. ► The yield strength of the composites was improved. ► The composites displayed excellent biocompatibility. Graphene oxide (GO)/ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites were prepared by liquid-phase ultrasonication dispersion followed by hot-pressing. The microstructure features and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and universal testing machine, respectively. Moreover, the attachment and proliferation of the MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts on the composites’ surfaces were investigated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, SEM and fluorescence staining observations to evaluate the biocompatibility of the GO/UHMWPE composites. As shown in the cross-section SEM images, GO sheets were well dispersed within the UHMWPE matrix. The addition of GO sheets up to 1.0wt.% not only increased the hardness of the pure UHMWPE gradually, but also improved its yield strength slightly. The MC3T3-E1 cells well attached and grew on the surfaces of the composites, and the adding of GO did not affect the cells’ morphology and viability. The GO/UHMWPE composites displayed a remarkable combination of enhanced mechanical properties and good biocompatibility, making the composites attractive for potential candidate as artificial joints in the human body.