Development and Characterization of Hybrid Composites for Synthetic Cartilage in Joint Prostheses Tribological and Antibacterial Analysis

The aim of this study was to create and analyze hybrid composites consisting of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) combined with hydroxyapatite (HAP) and titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ) in order to develop synthetic cartilages for use in complete joint prostheses. The three different composites were mixed using a solvent dispersing technique, followed by a hot press technique, and then tested for tribological and antibacterial properties. In order to assess the impact of the additives and the quality of dispersion in the composites, we employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to analyze and characterize the composites. Titanium dioxide weight percentages were varied (1, 3, 5, and 10%), while HAP weight percentages were held constant at 20%. In the UHMWPE matrix, hydroxyapatite was used as a bone osteoinduction agent and titanium dioxide as an anti-wear additive. The developed composite was tested against Ti6Al4V alloy in a wear test using dry sliding and Hank's solution as a simulated bodily fluid (SBF). When sliding, SBF lubricant adhered to the composite surface, and UHMWPE with a 3 wt.% TiO ₂ filler had better wear performance than the other composites. This occurs as a result of the formation of a dense lubricant film, which provides the composite with higher wear resistance than dry sliding. We utilized the Agar Well Diffusion method to assess the antibacterial properties of the composites, and the findings indicated that the composites exhibited antibacterial activity.