Detection of peroxy species in ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene by Raman spectroscopy

Samples of gamma-sterilized ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) have been examined using infrared and Raman spectroscopies. Infrared spectra of microtomed sections of a thick segment of material exhibited carbonyl bands whose intensity was consistent with published data. Raman spectroscopy has been used for the first time to detect oxidized precursors to the commonly found carbonyl species. Gamma-sterilized plates examined as soon as possible after sterilization exhibited bands consistent with epoxide, alcohol and three different peroxy-containing species. The detection of these species in irradiated UHMWPE is reported for the first time and demonstrates that oxidation of this material proceeds via a gamma-induced free radical mechanism, as has been widely assumed.