Poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) PDLA/45S5 Bioglass® (BG) composites for medical devices were developed using an original approach based on a thermal treatment of BG prior to processing. The aim of the present work is to gain a fundamental understanding of the relationships between the morphology, processing conditions and final properties of these biomaterials. A rheological study was performed to evaluate and model the PDLA/BG degradation during processing. The filler contents, as well as their thermal treatments, were investigated. The degradation of PDLA was also investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and mechanical characterization. The results highlight the value of thermally treating the BG in order to control the degradation of the polymer during the process. The present work provides a guideline for obtaining composites with a well-controlled particle dispersion, optimized mechanical properties and limited degradation of the PDLA matrix.
Keywords: PLA; bioglass; biomedical-grade composites; extrusion processing; injection molding; mechanical properties; rheology.