A model for biodegradation of composite materials made of polyesters and tricalcium phosphates

A saturation behaviour has been observed when incorporating tricalcium phosphate (TCP) in various polyesters to control the degradation rate. This paper presents an understanding of this behaviour using a mathematical model. The coupled process of hydrolysis reaction of the ester bonds, acid dissociation of the carboxylic end groups, dissolution of the calcium phosphates and buffering reactions by the dissolved phosphate ions is modelled together using a set of differential equations. Two non-dimensional groups of the material and chemical parameters are indentified which control the degradation rate of the composites. An effectiveness map is established to show the conditions under which incorporating TCP into polyesters is effective, saturated or ineffective. Comparisons are made between the model predictions and existing experimental data in the literature. The map provides a useful tool to guide the design of polyester/TCP composites for tissue engineering and orthopaedic fixation applications.