Abstract
This chapter discusses attempts to quantitatively model degradation processes in bioresorbable polymers, focusing on hydrolytic degradation of polymeric biomaterials, particularly the polylactide/polyglycolide family of polymers. Key processes of degradation are reviewed including diffusion of water, kinetics of polymer hydrolysis, changes in mechanical properties/crystallinity and late stage degradation including mass loss. The chapter then looks at the special case of surface erosion as opposed to bulk degradation. Finally, the modelling of temperature effects is covered, as this relates to the development of accelerated test methods for degradation.
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