1.1 This specification covers ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) powder blended with alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) intended for use in surgical implants.
1.2 The requirements of this specification apply to alpha-tocopherol-containing UHMWPE in two forms. One is virgin polymer powder blended with alpha-tocopherol prior to con-solidation (Section 4). The second is any form fabricated from this blended, alpha-tocopherol-containing powder from which a finished product is subsequently produced (Section 5). This specification does not apply to finished or semi-finished products that are doped with Vitamin E after consolidation.
