PROCESSING AND PERFORMANCE OF BIO-ABSORBABLE COMPOSITES

Abstract

The development of new biodegradable materials for medical applications requires careful consideration not only of the mechanical properties but toxicity, degradation products and rate of degradation. This paper expands on previously reported work [1] conducted by the authors in this area which has outlined the manufacture of patient specific composite implants using CT and CAD technology in combination with CNC machining. The work reported here demonstrates the importance of the polymer properties in preparing biodegradable composites where both the matrix and the fibres degrade.