Bracco, PierangiolaBellare, AnujBistolfi, AlessandroAffatato, Saverio2017-11-212017Bracco, Pierangiola, Anuj Bellare, Alessandro Bistolfi, and Saverio Affatato. 2017. “Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene: Influence of the Chemical, Physical and Mechanical Properties on the Wear Behavior. A Review.” Materials 10 (7): 791. doi:10.3390/ma10070791. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ma10070791.http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:34375081Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is the most common bearing material in total joint arthroplasty due to its unique combination of superior mechanical properties and wear resistance over other polymers. A great deal of research in recent decades has focused on further improving its performances, in order to provide durable implants in young and active patients. From “historical”, gamma-air sterilized polyethylenes, to the so-called first and second generation of highly crosslinked materials, a variety of different formulations have progressively appeared in the market. This paper reviews the structure–properties relationship of these materials, with a particular emphasis on the in vitro and in vivo wear performances, through an analysis of the existing literature.en-USUHMWPEUltra-high molecular weight polyethyleneoxidationdegradationgamma radiationcrosslinkingVitamin Emechanical propertieswearJournal Article2017-11-2110.3390/ma10070791