| abstract |
Homogeneous, particulate composites are provided, of about 75 - 99.5 weight percent ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and about 0.5 - 25 weight percent of at least one filler compound, and wherein the composites have a surface area of at least about 4 m2/g. The particulate UHMWPE is also provided without the filler. Dense, load-bearing articles of these materials are formed by cold-pressing and free-sintering procedures. Cold-pressable, free-sinterable blends of commercial UHMWPE containing at least 25 weight percent of the composites or unfilled UHMWPE of the invention are also provided. |