Characterization of new biodegradable bone cement compositions based on functional polysuccinates and methacrylic...

New biodegradable poly(3-allyloxy-1,2-propylene)succinate-based materials were obtained by cross-linking poly(3-allyloxy-1,2-propylene)succinate (PSAGE) with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and methacrylic anhydride (MAAH). The aim of this study was to examine the influence of MAAH/MMA ratio and incorporation of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) filler on the maximum curing temperature, setting time, compressive strength and modulus of the cured materials, as well as on their hydrolytic degradation. The latter was characterized by determination of the weight loss and observation of changes in samples morphology by SEM. The maximum temperature during cross-linking was found to decrease with increasing MAAH content. The setting time was affected strongly by the concentration of double bonds and was rapidly shortened with its increase. The compressive strength and compressive modulus values increased with increasing MAAH/MMA ratio. Moreover, addition of bioactive mineral filler (BCP) improves significantly mechanical properties of these materials. On the other hand, it slows down their hydrolytic degradation.