Poly(D,L-cactide/ epsilon -caprolactone)/hydroapatite composites

In this study, elastomeric D,L-lactide and epsilon -caprolactone copolymers with two different molecular weights (M sub n : 108.000 and 40.000) were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of the respective dimers by using stannous octoate as the catalyst, as a potential bone-filling material. Th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biomaterials 2000-11, Vol.21 (21), p.2147-2154
Main Authors: Piskin, E, Ural, E, Kesenci, K, Fambri, L, Migliaresi, C
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:In this study, elastomeric D,L-lactide and epsilon -caprolactone copolymers with two different molecular weights (M sub n : 108.000 and 40.000) were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of the respective dimers by using stannous octoate as the catalyst, as a potential bone-filling material. The final ratio of D,L-lactide to epsilon -caprolactone obtained by exp 1 NMR was 60/40 (comparing to the initial ratio of 50/50). Both copolymers were amorphous having T sub g at around -21 deg C. Different amounts of hydroxyapatite (HA) powder were loaded within the copolymers. These composites were easily shaped by hand. Mechanical properties of the composites changed with the HA loading and the molecular weight of the copolymer. The precent elongation decreased, while both the Young's modulus and yield point (stress) increased with the HA content. The copolymers were degraded within the Ringer solutions in approx6 weeks. The molecular weight distribution became broader during degradation. Incorporation of HA reduced the degradation rate.
ISSN:0142-9612