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Compression properties of polyvinyl alcohol – bacterial cellulose nanocomposite
Author(s) -
Millon Leonardo E.,
Oates Christine J.,
Wan Wankei
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part b: applied biomaterials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.665
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 1552-4981
pISSN - 1552-4973
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.b.31364
Subject(s) - nanocomposite , materials science , polyvinyl alcohol , composite material , vinyl alcohol , bacterial cellulose , biomaterial , nanofiber , compressive strength , cartilage , cellulose , polymer , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , engineering , medicine , anatomy
Abstract Despite the established use of total joint replacement for the treatment of advanced degeneration of articular cartilage, component loosening due to wear and osteolysis limits the lifespan of these joint prostheses. In the present study, nanocomposites consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers were investigated as possible improved cartilage replacement materials. Nanocomposites were synthesized by adding small amounts (<1%) of BC to PVA, and subjecting the mixture to thermal cycling. The mechanical properties of the resulting material were evaluated using unconfined compression testing. By the addition of BC nanofibers to the PVA matrix, a nanocomposite with a wide range of compressive mechanical properties control was obtained, with elastic modulus values similar to those reported for native articular cartilage. The nanocomposite also showed improved strain‐rate dependence and adequate viscoelastic properties. The PVA–BC nanocomposite is therefore a promising biomaterial to be considered as a possible replacement material for localized articular cartilage injuries and other orthopedic applications such as intervertebral discs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2009