Preparation, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of graphene oxide/ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene composites

Graphene oxide (GO)/ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites were prepared by liquid-phase ultrasonication dispersion followed by hot-pressing. The microstructure features and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and universal testing machine, respectively. Moreover, the attachment and proliferation of the MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts on the composites' surfaces were investigated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, SEM and fluorescence staining observations to evaluate the biocompatibility of the GO/UHMWPE composites. As shown in the cross-section SEM images, GO sheets were well dispersed within the UHMWPE matrix. The addition of GO sheets up to 1.0 wt.% not only increased the hardness of the pure UHMWPE gradually, but also improved its yield strength slightly. The MC3T3-E1 cells well attached and grew on the surfaces of the composites, and the adding of GO did not affect the cells' morphology and viability. The GO/UHMWPE composites displayed a remarkable combination of enhanced mechanical properties and good biocompatibility, making the composites attractive for potential candidate as artificial joints in the human body. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.