Technologies for Manufacturing Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene-Based Porous Structures for Bone Implants

Efficacy of the use of bone implants and their reparative capacity are determined by the implant frame architecture. The implant should provide optimal ratio of porosity and pore size intended to maintain intensive pullulation of bone tissue. The goal of this work was to describe methods of formation of porous structure in ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The UHMWPE materials are intended for use in maxillofacial surgery. The following parameters of UHMWPE were estimated in this work: volume porosity, pore size, and mechanical characteristics of porous samples as functions of manufacturing procedures. Pore size was found to be determined by water-soluble filler, whereas mechanical characteristics depended on working pressure.