Experimental analysis with grey relational analysis–analytic hierarchy process‐based hybrid optimization to analyze the effect of graphene nanoparticle reinforced ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene/n‐HAp for hip joint

Abstract Ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is utilized in hip joints because of its high impact strength, outstanding fracture resistance, near‐zero moisture absorption, superior chemical inertness, and lower coefficient of friction than other polymers. However, because of the high melt viscosity of UHMWPE, the melt state approach gives unsatisfactory mechanical strength results. In this research, composite materials are fabricated by heat‐assisted compression molding having graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) used as a filler material in a composition of (UHMWPE + 5 wt% hydroxyapatite nanoparticles) at three different wt% ages (i.e., 0, 1, 2, and 3 wt%). Here mechanical characteristics such as flexural, compression, and impact strength measurements according to ISO standards and SEM analysis are used to determine the aggregation of n‐HAp and GNP in UHMWPE. According to the authors' experimental results, biocomposite (with UHMWPE + 5 wt n‐HAp + 1 wt% GNP) has the lowest surface roughness value and excellent mechanical characterization compared to other compositions for hip joint. Flexural and compression strength improve by 25% and 40%, respectively, compared to pure UHMWPE. The multi‐objective optimization based on GRA‐AHP gives a better result at 5 wt% of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and 1 wt% graphene nanoparticle reinforced in UHMWPE compared to other alternative materials.