@article {15501, title = {Bioinert, biodegradable and injectable polymeric matrix composites for hard tissue replacement: state of the art and recent developments}, journal = {Composites Science and Technology}, volume = {64}, year = {2008}, month = {2008-11-05 00:00:00}, pages = {789-817}, abstract = {

The present review paper examines the use of different types of polymeric matrix composites in hard tissue replacement applications.
\ The review presents the actual state of the art in the fields of bioinert composites for permanent applications, biodegradable
\ matrix composites for temporary applications and the emerging area of injectable composites.In all cases some recent developments
\ are also discussed.The paper starts with an introduction to locate the reader. Bone{\textendash}analogue composites are then extensively
\ discussed.Several other systems based on an inert polymeric matrix are described, focusing on their proposed applications.A great
\ emphasis is afterwards given to biodegradable matrix systems.The most widely used synthetic bioresorbable systems are analysed
\ and compared with an example of natural origin degradable composites{\textendash}starch based composites.Finally, composite systems that
\ are non-processable by melt based routes and in many cases injectable are discussed in detail, including several recent developments
\ on this emerging area of research.

}, keywords = {Biomaterials, Injection moulding, Mechanical Properties, Microstructure, Polymer matrix composites}, author = {Mano, J. F. and Sousa, R. A. and Boesel, L. F. and Neves, N. M. and Reis, R. L.} }