ASTM F2003-02
Historical Standard: ASTM F2003-02 Standard Practice for Accelerated Aging of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene after Gamma Irradiation in Air
SUPERSEDED (see Active link, below)
ASTM F2003
1. Scope
1.1 It is the intent of this practice to permit an investigator to evaluate the oxidative stability of UHMWPE materials as a function of processing and sterilization method. This practice describes a laboratory procedure for accelerated aging of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) specimens and components for total joint prostheses. The UHMWPE is aged at elevated temperature and at elevated oxygen pressure, to accelerate oxidation of the material and thereby allow for the evaluation of its long-term chemical and mechanical stability.
1.2 Although the accelerated-aging method described by this practice will permit an investigator to compare the oxidative stability of different UHMWPE materials, it is recognized that this method may not precisely simulate the degradative mechanisms for an implant during real-time shelf aging and implantation.
1.3 The accelerated aging method specified herein has been validated based on oxidation levels exhibited by certain shelf-aged UHMWPE components packaged in air and sterilized with gamma radiation. The method has not been shown to be representative of shelf aging when the UHMWPE is packaged in an environment other than air. For example, this practice has not been directly correlated with the shelf life of components that have been sealed in a low-oxygen package, such as nitrogen. This practice is not intended to simulate any change that may occur in UHMWPE following implantation.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
ASTM Standards
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
F648 Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Powder and Fabricated Form for Surgical Implants
F1714 Guide for Gravimetric Wear Assessment of Prosthetic Hip Designs in Simulator Devices
F1715 Guide for Wear Assessment of Prosthetic Knee Designs in Simulator Devices
ISO Standards
ISO 14243 Implants for surgery--Wear of total knee joint prosthesesKeywords
aging; oxidation; preconditioning; stability; UHMWPE; UHMW PE; ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene; Accelerated aging/testing--surgical devices/applications; Polyethylene (PE) surgical implant applications; Preconditioning; UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene);
ICS Code
ICS Number Code 83.080.01 (Plastics in general)
DOI: 10.1520/F2003-02
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