Synthesis and characterization of fumarate‐based polyesters for use in bioresorbable bone cement composites

Abstract

Fumarate-based polyesters were prepared by the transesterification polycondensation of diethyl fumarate and diols: (±)-1,2-propanediol, (S)-(+)-1,2-propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol. Different polyester microstructures were observed by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy when the reaction was conducted in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate or metal containing catalysts—aluminum trichloride, titanium tetrachloride, titanium tetrabutoxide, and zinc chloride. The extent of formation of branched structures associated with hydroxyl end groups' addition to the unsaturated polyester double bonds depends on the acidity of the catalyst. The bone cement composites were prepared by mixing the fumarate polyesters with an inorganic filler, CaSO4 · 2H2O, and N-vinyl pyrrolidone, which crosslinks on the addition of a radical initiator, benzoyl peroxide, at ambient temperatures. The compressive strength and hydrolytic stability of the cement compositions was correlated with structure of the polyesters. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 1123–1137, 1997