Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/S52148/01
Title:	The nanometric Investigation of Polyethylene Stucture and Its Bearing on Wear of Joint Replacements
Principal Investigator:	Elfick, Professor AP
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Sch of Engineering
Organisation:	University of Edinburgh
Scheme:	Advanced Fellowship (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 January 2004	Ends:	31 December 2008	Value (£):	196,081
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Biomaterials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Healthcare
Related Grants:
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 28 May 2003 Engineering Advanced Fellowships Interview Panel Deferred 02 May 2003 Engineering Fellowships Sift Panel 2003 Deferred
Summary on Grant Application Form
The molecular structure of polyethylene is known to influence its wear. However, monitoring the evolution of molecular realignment is hampered by the lack of a non-destructive nanoscopic technique for its assessment. This proposal seeks to redress this situation through the development of the novel technique of near-field optical scanning microscopy (NSOM) coupled with Raman spectroscopy. This technique offers the potential of measuring crystallinity, oxidation and molecular structure coincident with topography, all with nanometre resolution. Three measurement techniques are proposed; direct illumination/detection, differential and Au/Ag nanoparticle enhanced. The most appropriate of these techniques will be established, developed, validated and calibrated against DSC & SAXS. NSOM-Raman will then be utilised to investigate the influence of molecular re-orientation on the lubrication, friction and wear of orthopaedic polyethylene. Various grades of polyethylene will be subjected to permanent strains and the influence on wear willbe assessed using a custom-built single asperity wear cube tribometer and pin-on-plate machine. The structureof the wear debris created will be correlated to that of the surface from which it was released. Friction will be quantified on the nano/micro-scales using AFM based friction force microscopy and force spectroscopy using biomolecule lubricants. The modification of the wear track due to the pin, or asperity, motion will be ascertained using NSOM-Raman Oxidative aging of the polymer will be considered using accelerated aged samples.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.ed.ac.uk