Developing Tricalcium phosphate/polyhydroxybutyrate Composite as a New Biodegradable Material for Clinical Applications

摘要

Two biodegradable materials, namely, tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), were used to produce a new composite material for tissue replacement/regeneration. Commercially available TCP and PHB were used, with both materials being in the form of fine powders. They were characterised prior to composite production. TCP/PHB composite containing up to 30 vol/100 of TCP was produced. Manufacture of the composite consisted of compounding, milling, drying and compression moulding. During the manufacturing process, the temperature and time for maintaining PHB in the molten state were carefully controlled as PHB is very heat-sensitive. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the composite indicated that intended compositions for the composite had been achieved.