Al–Cu–Fe quasicrystal/ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composites as biomaterials for acetabular cup prosthetics

Polymer composites of Al–Cu–Fe quasicrystals and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were investigated for use in acetabular cup prosthetics. The wear properties of the Al–Cu–Fe/UHMWPE samples and a 440 steel ball counterface were measured. The mechanical strength of the Al–Cu–Fe/UHMWPE composites was compared to UHMWPE and alumina/UHMWPE. The biocompatibility of the composite material was tested using a direct contact cytotoxicity assay. Al–Cu–Fe/UHMWPE demonstrated lower volume loss after wear and higher mechanical strength than UHMWPE. This composite material also showed no increase in counterface wear or cytotoxicity relative to UHMWPE. These combined results demonstrate that Al–Cu–Fe/UHMWPE composites are promising candidate materials for acetabular cup prosthetics.