| abstract |
An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE before subjecting it to cross-linking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with UHMWPE, the resulting blend is formed into slabs, rods, and / or bonded to a substrate such as metal. The resulting product is subjected to cross-linking irradiation. When irradiated, UHMWPE blend products are machined, packaged and sterilized by conventional methods. |