Sterilization condition of UHMWPE is measured by thermoluminescence technique

Abstract

A thermoluminescence (TL) technique, which is simple but fast and sensitive, was used as a diagnostic tool to test short-term or initial (immediately following sterilization) oxidation of UHMWPE. More than 50% radical species decayed or oxidized in the first 10 min in an oxygen environment and in 25 min in a nitrogen environment. The glow-peak temperatures 130/spl deg/C and 160/spl deg/C of the TL glow curve were also found to be associated with the sterilization conditions, nitrogen and oxygen, respectively.