Assessing the functional mechanical properties of polycaprolactone stents post-processed by ultrasonic strengthening

Abstract

In this study, the ultrasonic strengthening process was performed on the stents fabricated by the fused deposition modeling method with polycaprolactone (PCL) material. Functional tests entailing three-point bending, parallel-plate compression and biodegradable tests were performed to evaluate the effect of the ultrasonic strengthening process on the PCL polymeric stents. Results displayed that the bending and compression stiffness ratio improved value by 2.4 and 1.37 times, respectively, more than evidence-based stents without ultrasonic strengthening. Also, records revealed that the ultrasonic strengthening process increases in polymer degradation time by up to 60 %. The dynamic mechanical properties of stents were improved after ultrasonic enhancement. Observation of the surface morphology by Scanning Electron Microscope showed a cavity's size reduction and Adhesion between layers in the cross-section were owned to effect on ultrasonic strengthening process.