Effect of bovine serum solution on the adhesive friction behavior of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene

This paper presents investigations on the effect of bovine serum solution on the friction behavior of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), conducted using atomic force microscopy. Interfacial shear strength of UHMWPE is evaluated from the friction force microscopy data using Johnson-Kendall-Roberts contact mechanics. It is found that the interfacial shear strength increases upon exposure to bovine serum solution. This increase is argued to be due to an adsorbed layer of denatured proteins on the polymer surface that renders the surface hydrophilic.