Polymer composites for medical applications as artificial bones

Polymer composites based on epoxy resin (EP) were developed from which anatomical models of artificial cortical bone tissue were obtained. The cancellous was polyurethane foam. To obtain appropriate mechanical properties, the EP was filled with CaCO3 (50, 60, 70 wt%) and a hybrid filler in the form of a mixture of silica and perlite (3/3, 5/5, 7/7 wt%/wt%). Samples for mechanical testing were obtained by vacuum casting in silicone molds. The influence of the type and amount of filler on the mechanical properties of the composite was demonstrated. CaCO3 had a particularly beneficial effect on hardness, compressive stress, and Young's modulus. The obtained anatomical bone model did not differ from natural bone in terms of structure and properties. This type of implants can be used in orthopedics and veterinary medicine.