[Evaluation of Chirulen biopolymer properties based on molecular and super-molecular structure changes caused by...

The paper presents an analysis of the effect of plastic strain and sterilization treatment by an electron beam as well as the joint effect of both of the two external factors on the change of molecular and supermolecular characteristics of the Chirulen biopolymer which is used for the production of Weller endoprosthesis cups. It has been shown how, due to these influences, the weighted mean molar mass, differentiation of macromolecule sizes, crystalline phase fraction and the degree of order of polymer internal structure are changing. In terms of such changes the effects on the cup material are presented connected with hardness, the modulus of elasticity and polymer susceptibility to undurable deformations. Simultaneously, conclusions were formed concerning possible biopolymer behaviors during endoprosthesis service if the described effects and accompanying modification of the internal structure occur.