| The formation of biodegradable implants for use in osteosynthesis has been a major goal of biomaterials research for the past two to three decades. Self-reinforced polylactide systems represent the most significant success of this research to date, however with elastic constants of, at most, 12--15 GPa, they fail to provide the necessary initial stiffness required of devices designed for stabilizing fractures of major load-bearing bones. One objective of this study has been the development of a biodegradable composite suitable for fabrication of implants for the repair of fractures of major load-bearing bones. Specifically, this research has focussed on the use of calcium polyphosphate (CPP), an uiorganic polymer in combination with polyvinyl-urethane carbonate (PVUC) organic polymers. Composite samples were formed as interpenetrating phase composites (IPC), particle-reinforced composites (PRC), and fibre-reinforced composites (FRC). Additionally, the IPCs were produced as both monolithic and laminated specimens. PRC samples exhibit too low asmade elastic constant for fracture fixation applications, while the IPC and FRC samples exhibit desired as-made strength and bending stiffness but lose these properties too rapidly when exposed to aqueous-based in vitro aging, simulating in vivo conditions. An investigation to determine the mechanism of the rapid in vitro degradation was undertaken using a model IPC system to study the effect of the interfacial strength on the mechanical properties of the composite. In addition, these studies provided further support for a hypothesis to explain the observed high mechanical properties of the as-made CPP-PVUC interpenetrating phase composites. It was found that strong interfacial strength is very significant in obtaining appropriate mechanical properties in the IPC system. Results support the conclusion that a rapid loss of the CPP-PVUC interface through exposure to an aqueous environment, as well as stresses imposed on the CPP phase due to swelling of the PVUC in an aqueous environment are responsible for the rapid in vitro decrease in mechanical properties of the IPC. |
