Tribological characteristics of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a lubricant for wear resistance of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE ) in artificial knee join.

For the longevity of total knee joint prostheses, we have developed an artificial lubricant using polyethylene glycol (PEG) for the prevention of wear of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). In the present study, the lubricative function of this PEG lubricant was evaluated by a wear test using Co–Cr alloy and UHMWPE counter surface samples.