Abstract
Polymeric cement is a new biocement material that is able to give immediate support to the implant area by inducing bone repair and a regeneration process through appropriate biodegradation processes. The aim of this study is to produce a polymeric cement using hydroxyapatite as absorbable filler, unsaturated polyester poly (propylene fumarate), poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) and benzoyl peroxide. The presence of hydroxyapatite is believed to enhance bioactivity. The hydroxyapatite powder used in this study was synthesised via precipitation, while poly (propylene fumarate) was synthesised using a direct esterification method. The cement was prepared, cast to form cylindrical specimens and subjected to compression testing. The crosslinking effect is achieved through the action of a mixture of poly (vinyl pyrrollidone) and benzoyl peroxide, which acted as initiator. Cement specimens were aged under simulated physiological conditions. The products were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was shown that the incorporation of bioceramic particles in biodegradable polymers rendered the cement bioactive and able to induce the formation of bonelike apatite on its surface.