Water absorption properties of phosphate glass fiber-reinforced poly-ε-caprolactone composites for craniofacial bone repair

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2008-03, Vol.107 (6), p.3750-3755
• Main Authors: Onal, Levent, Cozien-Cazuc, Sophie, Jones, I. Arthur, Rudd, Christopher D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; biodegradable composites; Biological and medical sciences; degradation; diffusion coefficient; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laminates; Medical sciences; moisture absorption; phosphate glass fiber; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Technology of polymers; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.27518

The moisture uptake of polymers and composites has increasing significance where these materials are specified for invasive, long-term medical applications. Here we analyze mass gain and the ensuing degradation mechanisms in phosphate glass fiber reinforced poly-ε-caprolactone laminates. Specimens were manufactured using in situ polymerization of ε-caprolactone around a bed of phosphate glass fibers. The latter were sized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane to control the rate of modulus degradation. Fiber content was the main variable in the study, and it was found that the moisture diffusion coefficient increased significantly with increasing fiber volume fraction. Diffusion, plasticization, and leaching of constituents appear to be the dominant aspects of the process over these short-term tests. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008