EFFECTS OF PROCESSING CONDITIONS AND IN-VITRO AGING ON THE PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES OF BIOMER(R)

Biomer(R) is generally processed by repeated deposition of layers by s olution casting onto a preshaped former. The precise nature of this pr ocessing route may influence the mechanical response and surface prope rties of the finished article and, as a result, its subsequent in vivo behaviour. Here we have studied the influence of a range of processin g parameters: the type of former, the initial concentration of the sol ution from which the layers are cast and the time interval between cas ting of successive layers. The subsequent Variation of physico-chemica l properties on in vitro ageing in isotonic saline solution has also b een considered and, in particular, the possibility of cross-linking du ring long-term exposure.