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Abstract

Bioabsorbable polymers are of interest as internal fracture fixation devices. Self-reinforcement has been developed to improve the mechanical properties of the material and the addition of calcium phosphate fillers improves the bioactivity. Composite plates, produced by compression molding preimpregnated sheets of polylactide fibers coated in a polylactide matrix have been degraded in simulated body fluid for up to 12 weeks. Some samples also contained hydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate filler particles. Degradation was measured by monitoring the water uptake and mass decrease of the samples, as well as carrying out four point bend tests to assess the mechanical properties of the material. By 12 weeks, it was found that the unfilled samples absorbed more water and showed greater mass loss than the samples containing calcium phosphate fillers. Also, the flexural modulus and yield stress decreased significantly at week 12 for the unfilled samples. Adding hydroxyapatite (HA) or tricalcium phosphate (TCP) to the composite increased the flexural modulus and yield strength to values within the range of those reported for cortical bone and these values were maintained over the 12-week period.

Physical and mechanical properties of PLA, and their functions in widespread applications — A comprehensive review

“…The polymer degradation rate is mainly determined by polymer reactivity with water and catalysts. Any factor which affects the reactivity and the accessibility, such as particle size and shape, temperature, moisture, crystallinity, % isomer, residual lactic acid concentration, Mw, water diffusion and metal impurities from the catalyst, will affect the polymer degradation rate [2,17,[31][32][33]. The in vivo and in vitro degradation have been evaluated for PLA surgical implants.…”

Calcium orthophosphate-based biocomposites and hybrid biomaterials

“…Based on the self-reinforcement concept, biocomposites of TCP with polylactides were prepared and studied using conventional mechanical testing [395]. Bioresorbable scaffolds were fabricated from such biocomposites [396].…”

An Overview of Polylactides as Packaging Materials

“…Polylactide (PLA), a polymer derived from lactic acid (2‐hydroxy propionic acid), has been widely studied for use in medical applications because of its bioresorbable and biocompatible properties in the human body 1–16. Due to its higher cost, the initial focus of PLA as a packaging material has been in high value films, rigid thermoforms, food and beverage containers and coated papers.…”