Enhanced retention of polymer physical characteristics and mechanical strength of 70:30 poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) after ethylene oxide sterilization.

This study examined the effect of ethylene oxide (EtO) and electron beam (e-beam) irradiation on the properties of 70:30 poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide). The effects of sterilization upon the polymer physical characteristics and strength retention of the material were examined, both initially and after being subjected to real time ageing. Commercially available 70:30 poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) material was fabricated into rectangular, cylindrical, screw, and sheet designs, and tested in compression, shear, or tension.

Characterization of a faster resorbing polymer after real time aging.

This study evaluated the in vitro strength retention and polymer characteristics of specimens made from commercially available 85:15 poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide). Test samples included dogbone tensile specimens with a nominal thickness of either 0.75 and 1.

Strength retention of 70:30 poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) following real-time aging.

This study evaluated the in vitro strength retention and polymer characteristics of plates and screws made from commercially available 70:30 poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) over a 2-year time period. Test samples included three routine manufacturing lots each of plates (1.2 mm thick, 41.

Evaluation of cytocompatibility and bending modulus of nanoceramic/polymer composites.

In an attempt to simulate the microstructure and mechanical properties of natural bone, novel nanoceramic/polymer composite formulations were fabricated and characterized with respect to their cytocompatibility and mechanical properties. The bending moduli of nanocomposite samples of either poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with 30, 40, and 50 wt % of nanophase (<100 nm) alumina, hydroxyapatite, or titania loadings were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those of pertinent composite formulations with conventional, coarser grained ceramics.