Biodegradable Radiopaque Composite Filaments Based on Poly(p-dioxanone)and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic Acid

To determine the possibility of blending 2, 3, 5-triiodobenzoic acid( TIBA) and poly( p-dioxanone)( PPDO) to produce X-ray visible PPDO filaments,melt-blended PPDO with different concentrations of TIBA was obtained. Several radiopaque filaments of PPDO polymer filled with radiopaque TIBA particles were prepared via melt-blending. Material properties of the composite filaments were investigated using various material characterization techniques,including scanning electron microscope( SEM),thermogravimetric analysis( TGA),X-ray Diffraction( XRD),dynamic rheometry and micro-CT scan. In this article,the dispersion of TIBA in PPDO,the properties of the filament,and the ratio of PPDO and TIBA and the corresponding X-ray visibility in vivo were studied. SEM results showed the dispersion of the contrast imaging agent TIBA was relatively even in the PPDO polymer. Xray analysis in vitro confirmed the enhanced radiopacity of the filaments with respect to the pure PPDO filament. The presence of iodine element in the composite filament could allow the bioabsorbable material to be monitored in vivo, and made it potential to be used in biomedical applications.

Extrusion of Thermoplastic Starch: Effect of “Green” and Common Polyethylene on the Hydrophobicity Characteristics

Novel plastics that are biodegradable, environmentally benign, and made from renewable natural resources are currently being researched as alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. One such plastic, thermoplastic starch (TPS) is produced from starch processed at high temperatures in the presence of plasticizers, such as water and glycerol. However, because of its hydrophilic nature, TPS exhibits poor mechanical properties when exposed to environmental conditions, such as rain or humidity. The overall objective of this research work was to produce a thermoplastic starch based material with low water absorption that may be used to replace petroleum-based plastics. With a recent emergence of “green” polyethylene (GPE), sourced from renewable feedstock, it has become possible to develop novel biodegradable polymers for various applications. In this work, GPE was melt blended with starch in three different ways;reactive extrusion of GPE and starch facilitated by maleic anhydride (MAH) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP), melt blending of GPE and starch by extrusion, and melt blending of maleated polyethylene and starch by extrusion. Comprehensive testing and analysis has shown that all methods reduced water absorption significantly with some variations across the board.