抄録
Fibers of Poly(3-hydroxybutylate-co-4-hydroxybutylate) [P(3HB-co-4HB)], poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) have been prepared by a polymer solution casting method. These have been incorporated (up to 3% volume) into calcium phosphate cement (CPC) to improve the mechanical properties. Semi-quantitative X-ray analysis showed that the incorporation of the fibers does not affect the formation of hydroxyapatite from the initial starting materials. Three-point bending tests showed that all polymer fibers influenced the flexural strength and elastic modulus of the fiber-reinforced CPC. P(3HB-co-4HB) and PLGA fiber reinforced CPCs displayed flexural strengths of more than 1 MPa, even after a 3-mm displacement. P(3HB-co-4HB) fiber-reinforced CPC exhibited the most bridging fibers across a crack formed by the mechanical tests. The bulk shape of the CPC reinforced with P(3HB-co-4HB) fibers was maintained at 25% of the stain in the compressive test, despite of formation of cracks.
