Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene: Difference between revisions

Polymerization of UHMWPE was commercialized in the 1950s by [[Ruhrchemie]] AG,<ref name="Handbook">{{cite book |author=Kurtz, Steven M. |title=The UHMWPE handbook: ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in total joint replacement |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bkuFjppEdMcC |year=2004 |publisher=Academic Press |isbn=978-0-12-429851-4}}</ref><ref>''Die Aktivitäten der Ruhrchemie AG auf dem Gebiet der Kohlevergasung''. In: ''Glückauf-Forschungshefte'', Jg. 44 (1983), pp. 140–145.</ref> which has changed names over the years. Today UHMWPE powder materials, which may be directly molded into a product's final shape, are produced by [[Southern Ropes]], [[Ticona]], [[Braskem]], [[DSM (company)|DSM]], [[Teijin]] (Endumax), [[Celanese]], and [[Mitsui Chemicals|Mitsui]]. Processed UHMWPE is available commercially either as fibers or in consolidated form, such as sheets or rods. Because of its resistance to wear and impact, UHMWPE continues to find increasing industrial applications, including the automotive and bottling sectors. Since the 1960s, UHMWPE has also been the material of choice for total joint [[arthroplasty]] in [[orthopedic]] and [[Vertebral column|spine]] implants.<ref name="Handbook"/>