Influence of Ringer's solution on creep resistance of hydroxyapatite reinforced polyethylene composites.

In vitro creep studies of polyethylene, both unfilled and filled with hydroxyapatite at 0.20 and 0.40 volume fraction, have been performed. The samples were immersed in Ringer's solution at 37 degrees C for 1, 7, 30, 90 and 150 days prior to isochronous and creep tests in the same condition. The creep properties of unfilled polyethylene is unaffected by the immersion, but the isochronous modulus and the creep resistance of filled polyethylene were reduced. The effect increased with increasing volume fraction and time of immersion. This reduction is related to the penetration of the solution into the material, softening the interface.