Service Overview
Accelerated aging of polyethylene (PE) components for total joint prostheses is performed at the OIC to accelerate oxidation of the material as a form of preconditioning. Components are aged in a temperature and pressure regulated oxygen chamber and follow ASTM F2003 and ISO 5834-3 standards.
Accelerated aging may be applied prior to simulation wear testing, pin-on-disc testing, or mechanical testing. Accelerated aging is valuable for evaluating the material’s chemical and mechanical stability in an extended shelf-aged condition.
Standards We Test
Standard Practice for Accelerated Aging of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene after Gamma Irradiation in Air
Implant for Surgery – Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene – Part 3: Accelerated ageing methods
Additional Information
What equipment do you use for carrying out accelerated aging?
We have two accelerated aging tanks that are independently regulated for pressure and temperature. Chamber pressure and temperature are monitored by sensor control to verify experimental conditions are within tolerance during aging.
What types of materials can be aged?
Various types of polyethylene (PE) can be preconditioned through accelerated aging such as ultra-high-molecular-weight PE, cross-linked PE, and Vitamin E PE.