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A. Koyun, M.E. Yurci, B. Sagbas, M.N. Durakbasa:
"Evaluation of temperature rise within articulating surfaces of artificial hip joint materials";
Quality-Access to Success, Vol.13, S5, November 2012 (2012), 379 - 384.

ABSTRACT: Biotribological behavior like friction, lubrication and wear are primary failure factors for articulating surfaces and
these behaviors affect the service life of the prosthesis. Friction between articulating surfaces cause temperature rise in acetabular
cup and femoral head. This heating may influence the rate of wear, fatigue, creep and oxidative degradation of bearing materials.
The objective of this study is to determine the temperature rise as a function of sliding time and applied load for the articulating
surfaces of conventional Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) and Vitamin E Blended Ultra High Molecular
Weight Polyethylene (VE-UHMWPE) acetabular components paired with a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) femoral
component in deionized water lubrication condition. Frictional measurements of the joints were carried out on a custom made hip
joint friction simulator. Various levels of static loads were applied on 28 mm diameter prostheses. In flexion-extension plane, a
simple harmonic oscillatory motion between ±24o was applied to the UHMWPE acetabular component. The period of motion was 1
Hz and the tests were run up to 11000 cycles. Temperature rise in acetabular and femoral component was recorded with embedded
thermocouples. Also by using ball-on-plate tribotester, wear behavior of the materials were determined. The results were compared
in terms of UHMWPE and vitamin E blended UHMWPE.

hip joints, temperature rise, friction, frictional heating, frictional measurement, vitamin E blended UHMWPE