Preliminary Studies on the Properties of Novel Polymeric Composite Materials Based on Polysuccinates

Abstract

This study aimed to prepare novel biodegradable polymeric composites based on poly(3-allyloxy-1,2-propylene) succinate (PSAGE). These composite materials are composed of poly(ester-anhydride) (PEA) microspheres embedded in polyester matrix prepared by crosslinking PSAGE with oligo(1,2-propylene maleate) and methacrylic monomers. Methyl methacrylate and one of hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) dimethacrytes with different length of oligooxyethylene chains were used as polymerizable solvents. Incorporation of microspheres that degrade faster than crosslinked polyester matrices enables formation of porous structure. The obtained materials are liquid before curing and harden in several minutes with moderate exothermic effect. The effect of the composition of polyester matrices and kind of PEA microspheres used on selected properties, such as water sorption, mechanical strength, porosity, and hydrolytic degradation behavior, was investigated. The morphology of the cured composite materials subjected to hydrolytic degradation was evaluated by SEM.

Keywords:

• biodegradable polyesters
• biomaterials
• microspheres
• poly(ester-anhydride)

Notes

^aDegradation conditions: PBS, 37°C, disc shaped samples.

^aAll amounts are based on 1.0 g PSAGE. Additionally, all formulations contain 9 µL DMPT and 0.097 g BPO per 1.0 g PSAGE.

^bOEG550DMA,.

^cOEG875DMA,.

^eEnvironment temperature 37°C.