Some bioceramics have the ability to bind to tissues but they show mechanical properties very different from the ones of natural tissues. This fact restricts the use of these materials in a wider range of applications. The goal of this research is to synthesize and characterize polymer matrices reinforced with bioactive glass particles that potentially can combine ability to bond to tissues (bioactivity), with mechanical properties comparable to damage tissues. The composites were produced by bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of bioactive glass particles and an initiator at 60ºC. Bioactive glass particles were added to the monomer in several concentrations to modify the mechanical properties and bioactivity of the composites. The bioactivity of the materials was evaluated by in vitro tests performed at 37ºC in a simulated body fluid for periods of time ranging from 1 hour to 30 days. The composites submitted to in vitro tests were characterized by infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed the deposition of a hidroxy-carbonate-apatite layer on the surface of the composites, confirming their bioactivity. It was also observed that the fraction of the bioactive phase in the composites can be used to control the overall kinetics of the bioactivity process.
Composite; bioactive glasses; biomaterials; poly(methylmethacrylate); bioactivity
