1.1   It is the intent of this practice to permit an investigator to evaluate the oxidative stability of UHMWPE materials as a function of processing and sterilization method. This practice describes a laboratory procedure for accelerated aging of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) specimens and components for total joint prostheses. The UHMWPE is aged at elevated temperature and at elevated oxygen pressure, to accelerate oxidation of the material and thereby allow for the evaluation of its long-term chemical and mechanical stability.