The evolution of the structure and mechanical properties of fully bioresorbable polymer-glass composites during degradation

Fully bioresorbable polymer matrix composites have long been considered as potential orthopaedic implant materials, however their combination of mechanical strength, stiffness, ductility and bioresorbability is also attractive for cardiac stent applications. This work investigated reinforcement polylactide-based polymers with phosphate glasses, addressing key drawbacks current stents, examined the often-neglected evolution structure properties during degradation. Incorporation 15 - 30wt.% glass led to modulus increases up 80% under simulated body conditions, 15wt.% retained comparable pure polymers, crucial applications where stiffness are required. Two-stage degradation was observed, dominated by interfacial water absorption dissolution. Polymer embrittlement mechanisms (crystallisation, enthalpy relaxation) were suppressed addition, allowing achieve a more controlled loss degradation, which could allow gradual transfer loading newly healed tissue. These results provide valuable new system understanding structural changes occurring fully composites, providing important data underpin design effective materials.