Knee Simulation, Creep, and Friction Tests of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogels Manufactured Using Injection Molding and Solution Casting

Osteoarthritis is a widespread problem throughout the world especially as the average lifespan continues to lengthen. Relieving arthritic pain and finding less intrusive, longer lasting joint replacements revolves around finding a material to replace natural articular cartilage. Poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels (PVA-H) have the potential to be an articular cartilage replacement in the future with properties similar to those of natural articular cartilage. Injection molding and solution casting techniques were employed to manufacture PVA-H specimens. The mechanical properties of PVA-H were then studied using knee simulation, creep, and friction tests. The results show that injection molding produces stiffer and stronger specimens than solution casting due to the higher polymer content. However, injection molding specimens also have a higher coefficient of friction. Further improvements must be made before PVA-H is a suitable material for articular cartilage replacement.