The application of the reptation hypothesis to polyelectrolyte biomaterials

Abstract

Recent studies have attempted to explain the processes which occur at fracture in glass-ionomer and zinc polycarboxylate cements in terms of the reptation hypothesis. This approach is reviewed, along with the theory itself. The current status of the theory is considered and the considerable doubt which exists about the validity of theory is highlighted. The failure of the theory to predict the relationship between fracture toughness and molecular mass found experimentally for glass-ionomers and zinc polycarboxylates is noted. These results, together with others from the wider realm of polymer physics, lead to the conclusion that the attempt to understand the fracture of polyelectrolyte biomaterials in such detailed theoretical terms is probably premature.