For bone regeneration and repair, combinations of different materials are often
needed. Biodegradable polymers are often combined with osteoconductive materials, such as
bioactive glass (BaG), which can also improve the mechanical properties of the composite. The
aim of this work was to develop and characterize BaG fiber reinforced starch–poly-ecaprolactone
(SPCL) composite. Sheets of SPCL (30/70 wt %) were produced using singlescrew
extrusion. They were then cut and compression-molded in layers with BaG fibers to
form composite structures with different combinations. Mechanical and degradation properties
of the composites were studied. The actual amount of BaG in the composites was
determined using combustion tests. Initial mechanical properties of the reinforced composites
were at least 50% better than the properties of the nonreinforced specimens. However, the
mechanical properties of the composites after 2 weeks of hydrolysis were comparable to those
of the nonreinforced samples. During the 6 weeks hydrolysis the mass of the composites had
decreased only by about 5%. The amount of glass in the composites remained as initial for the
6-week period of hydrolysis. In conclusion, it is possible to enhance initial mechanical
properties of SPCL by reinforcing it with BaG fibers. However, mechanical properties of the
composites are typical for bone fillers and strength properties need to be further improved for
allowing more demanding bone applications.
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