VISCOPLASTIC BEHAVIOR OF PMMA BLENDS - THE EFFECT OF MOISTURE ABSORPTION

The mechanical properties of a polymeric blend based on PMMA and Poly( butyl methacrylate, methylmethacrylate) were studied. This mixture is the main component of the so-called bone cement used for various biome dical applications. Different types of samples have been prepared with varying the antibiotic content. The compressive stress-strain behavio ur has been studied at various strain rates, before and after immersio n in water at 37 degrees C, simulating in this way the physiological e nvironment of these materials. Moreover, thermal expansion coefficient tests were carried out in order to check the dimensional stability of the materials examined.