Research progress on degradation and stability of ultra high relative molecular mass polyethylene

The mechanism of thermal oxidation and photo oxidation of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were reviewed, as well as the factors affecting degradation behavior and the recent development in improving the stabilization of UHMWPE at home and abroad. Oxidation reaction initiated by trace oxygen can accelerate degradation of UHMWPE. Increasing the oxygen pressure and raising the temperature can also accelerate degradation, while relative molecular mass of UHMWPE has no obvious influences on the stabilization of UHMPWE. Utilizing the synergistic effect of main and assistant antioxidant can prevent degradation of UHMWPE validly. The thermal stability of UHMWPE is increased with the addition of multi-walled carbon nano-tube.