Patent ID: 6464926
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: A61F,A61L,B29C,B29K,B29L,C08F

Abstract:
A method for making highly entangled and crosslinked ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, comprising the steps of:providing conventional ultra high molecular weight polyethylene; surrounding said ultra high molecular weight polyethylene with an inert material that is substantially free of oxygen; heating said ultra high molecular weight polyethylene above the melting temperature of said ultra high molecular weight polyethylene for a time sufficient to enable the formation of entangled polymer chains in said ultra high molecular weight polyethylene; irradiating said heated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene so as to trap the polymer chains in the entangled state; and cooling said irradiated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene to about 25Â° C.