Modeling shelf and accelerated aging of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in air

The study attempts to mathematically model URMWPE oxidation in air. Simulations were carried out for shelf aging and accelerated aging data. Simulations of shelf aging at reduced oxygen concentration results in the ketone subsurface shifting towards the surface. Simulations of shelf aging at higher irradiation dose predicted higher ketone concentration with the peak shifting to the left. Reduced irradiation dose predicted significant reduction of the ketone formation.