Polyethylene for implants
Russian scientists have created a material for artificial muscles and joints
Scientists from NUST MISIS have developed a material on the basis of which it is possible to create a wear-resistant and easily implemented replacement for bones, joints and muscles.
The main issue when introducing the material into the body is its safety. Some substances are toxic, some the body simply rejects. Studies have shown that the basis for an artificial joint can only be artificial polyethylene with very long molecules. But its main disadvantage is its low wear resistance. Scientists from NUST MISIS have reinforced polyethylene with carbon nanotubes, thanks to which the wear resistance has doubled. According to calculations, the service life of such an implant will be more than 15 years.
On the basis of high-molecular polyethylene, researchers from NUST MISIS have created a bone replacement. The outer layer is solid, and the inner layer is porous, which mimics the biological structure. It was obtained by combining solid-phase mixing and thermal compression methods, and a supercritical liquid was used to create pores. Under certain conditions, it turned from water into gas and evaporated, leaving pores, the content of which in the material is 80%.
The staff of the Center for Composite Materials with the project manager
Fedor Senatov (in the center). Photo of NUST MISIS
Polyethylene can also be used as artificial muscles – when cooled, it narrows, and when heated, it expands, which simulates the contraction and stretching of muscles.
The material is planned to be used not only for people, but also to create more flexible robots with its help. The main issue remains muscle control and the dependence of movement on external temperature.
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29.09.2017