Fabrication and Characterization of Hot-Pressed UHMWPE-Based Polymer Matrix Composites Reinforced with HNTs

Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is widely used in load-bearing components of total joint arthroplasties due to its excellent mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and wear resistance. This study aims to enhance the performance of acetabular cups in hip and knee implants by developing UHMWPE composites reinforced with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The UHMWPE–HNT composites were fabricated using a hydraulic press at sufficient temperature and were further characterized using XRD, TGA/DSC, FTIR, and FESEM. The maximum % crystallinity and hardness achieved for 10 vol.% HNT in UHMWPE were 20.6 % and 11.37 ± 2.26 HV. The compressive strength of UHMWPE with 10 vol.% HNT improved by 27.93% as compared to pure UHMWPE. The mechanical hardness was measured through Vickers indentation, which shows that an increase in HNT increases the hardness due to uniform dispersion of HNT, while it decreases above 10 vol.% HNT due to agglomeration of HNT particles. These findings suggest that UHMWPE–HNT composites are promising next-generation biomaterials, offering improved durability and reliability in hip and knee implant components. © ASM International 2026.