Self-reinforced bioresorbable polymer P (L/DL) LA 70:30 for the manufacture of craniofacial implant

Abstract

Abstract:The importance of self-reinforced bioabsorbable polymers has been growing due to their use in orthopedic and dental implants. Bioabsorbable polymeric implants manufactured only by the processes of injection or extrusion without the post processing of self-reinforcing leave a great deal on presenting an appealing alternative in terms of the mechanical strength suitable for use in the fixation of bone fractures. One of the most promising ways to promote the increase of mechanical properties of bioresorbable polymers is through the self-reinforcing technique. Self-reinforcing occurs when the internal structure of the polymer is strongly oriented in the direction of the deformation. Knowing the levels of mechanical strength obtained is essential to determine the sites of application of the component. The objective of this work was to study the method and the influence of self-reinforcing conditions, such as reduction ratio, temperature and deformation speed, on the quality and mechanical properties of small cylindrical bars obtained from the bioresorbable polymer P (L/DL) LA 70:30. The different processing conditions led to distinct levels of mechanical strength. Resistance values obtained in this work are the highest ever recorded for this material. It is important to stress that the values of mechanical strength achieved are within the limits accepted as safe for utilization in the fixation of craniofacial fractures, a fact that significantly enhances the prospects in this area.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel terpolymer based on L-lactide, D,L-lactide and trimethylene carbonate

“…Among bioresorbable polymers of interest is the copolymer poly (L,co-D,L-lactic acid; PLDLA) that is widely used in the proportion 70:30 because of its good mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility. This polymer has been the subject of study of this research group and its synthesis is already consolidated so that the polymer has high molecular weight [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] . Though PLA is limited by its inherent brittleness, its properties can be significantly enhanced and broadened by modification via copolymerization, which provides a number of advantages because the architecture and composition of the biomaterials can be tailored to control and composition of the biomaterials can be tailored to control the material properties (by anionic or coordinated polymerization) 15 .…”