| In this project, a multi-layered laminated structure made from single layer interpenetrating phase composites (IPC) of Calcium Polyphosphate (CPP) and Polyvinyl Acid Carbonate Co-polymer (PVAC) was developed as a novel material for fabricating new temporary bone fixation devices. Ball milled amorphous CPP particles (average 6mum) were first tape cast and sintered to form thin, porous, and semi-crystalline sheets. After infiltrating the sheets with PVAC to form IPC, laminated structures were made by stacking four or six IPCs. The structure with the best mechanical properties during 4-point bend testing was made with a '6-Layer' design, 80% theoretical density CPP-IPC, and MAA10 interlamellar polymer. It had a bending strength of 80MPa, elastic constant of 26GPa and relative toughness (area under the stress-deflection curve) of 78MPa·mm. This study not only tries to indicate the benefits of forming laminated IPC structures but also to evaluate the use of finer CPP particles for sample preparation. |
