CHAIN DYNAMIC OF CALCIFIED TISSUE

Thermally stimulated current spectroscopy has been applied to the inve stigation of molecular mobility in human calcified tissue. A comparati ve study of extracts and residues at various stages of demineralizatio n is presented. Results show that: the matrix (collagen) is in a glass y state at physiological temperature; the filler (apatite) increases t he static modulus; the interfaces/interphase (non-collagenous proteins and particularly proteoglycans) ensure cohesion and ductability for t he composite. Biomaterials for orthopaedic prostheses require the same morphology in order to phenomenologically reproduce the same dynamic behaviour.