University of Kentucky Research Foundation

David A Pienkowski

Rodney Andrews

Kwon-Yong Lee

Eric A Grulke

Robert J Jacob

An augmented synthetic resin is provided. That resin includes carbon nanotubes dispersed in a polymethylmethacrylate matrix. The method of preparing this synthetic resin includes the mixing and disaggregating of the carbon nanotubes.

Polymethylmethacrylate augmented with carbon nanotubes

A method is provided for reducing the amount of wear particulates generated by a total joint orthopaedic implant. The implant consists of two matched articulating components wherein at least one of the components is made of polymer or other material with similar physical properties. The method includes the steps of placing the total joint orthopaedic implant in a fluid bath and articulating the implant in the fluid bath for at least 1,000 cycles. The articulation may be performed in three stages. In the first, the implant is articulated under a load of substantially 0.1-500 Newtons with sliding speeds of substantially 0.01-0.5 meters per second. During a second stage the articulation takes place under a load of substantially 100-2,500 Newtons with sliding speeds of substantially 0.01-0.5 meters per second. In the third stage the articulation takes place under a load of substantially 2,500-10,000 Newtons at sliding speeds of 0.5-2.0 meters per second. The method also includes pre-implantation creeping for the polymer component. This improves the wear resistance of the polymer component, as well as, increases the conformity between the matched articulating components resulting in reduced wear particulate generation.

Implant pre-treated for reducing the generation of wear particulates

A method for improving consolidation of powder resin is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (1) sorting particles of the powder resin according to their diameter; (2) combining the sorted particles having a first diameter D1 with the sorted particles having a second diameter D2 so as to form a particle mixture; (3) applying a vibration to the particle mixture; (4) heating the particle mixture; and (5) delivering the particle mixture through a nozzle or into a mold. The particle diameters D1 and D2 are chosen so that once combined there is optimal close packing of the three-dimensional spaces between the powder resin particles.

Method for improving consolidation of powder resin

Method for reducing the generation of wear particulates from an implant

A method is provided for reducing the amount of wear particulates generated by a total joint orthopaedic implant. The implant consists of two matched articulating components. The method includes the steps of placing the total joint orthopaedic implant in a fluid bath and articulating the implant in the fluid bath for at least 1,000 cycles. The articulation may be performed in three stages. In the first, the implant is articulated under a load of substantially 0.1-500 Newtons with sliding speeds of substantially 0.01-0.5 meters per second. During a second stage the articulation takes place under a load of substantially 200-2,500 Newtons with sliding speeds of substantially 0.01-0.5 meters per second. In the third stage the articulation takes place under a load of substantially 2,500-10,000 Newtons at sliding speeds of 0.5-2.0 meters per second.

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Lexington, KY, United States of America

David A Pienkowski