Current Compromise

First generation highly crosslinked polyethylenes have shown significant in vitro wear reduction when compared to conventional polyethylenes; however, current production methods for these materials have exhibited two chief limitations:

1. The remelting process weakens the polyethylene.
To prevent oxidation caused by free radicals, a by-product of crosslinking, certain first generation materials remelt the polyethylene, thus reducing its strength.¹

2. The annealing process does not fully prevent oxidation.
Annealed materials maintain their strength, but this process does not fully eliminate the free radicals in the polyethylene that can cause oxidation.^2-4

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