Synthesis and Characterization of Diethyl Fumarate‐1,4‐Cyclohexanedimethanol Polyesters for Use in Bioresorbable Bone Cement Composites

Abstract

Unsaturated polyesters are prepared by transesterification polymerization of diethyl fumarate and 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol. The structure of the polyesters was characterized by FT‐IR and ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy. Semicrystalline morphology of the polymers is suggested by DSC analysis with T_g at 21°C and melting at 140°C. The thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the onset of degradation takes place at 300°C. The polyester's structure has significant impact on the properties of the composites prepared by crosslinking the fumarate double bonds with N‐vinyl pyrrolidone in the presence of an inorganic filler, calcium sulfate dihydrate, with 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.

Keywords:

• fumarate polyesters
• bioresorbable bone cement compositions

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the NIH, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases through grant R15 AR45556‐01A1 and the DePaul University Research Council.