FTIR evaluation of PGLA – Carbon fibres composite behaviour under ‘in vivo’ conditions

Modification of resorbable polymers with carbon fibres makes it possible to work out multifunctional implants for use in bone surgery. This is due to biocompatibility of such composites as well as due to their suitable mechanical properties. In this study, the rate and the mechanism of resorbable lactide–glycolide copolymer (PGLA) as well as its composite with carbon fibre (PGLA + CF) degradation in vivo conditions have been tested. The influence of carbon fibres on the mechanism and rate of bone tissue regeneration has been also evaluated. Analysis has been based upon infrared spectroscopic studies (FTIR) as well as upon surface morphology examinations using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results show that carbon fibres in PGLA + CF composite accelerate bone tissue regeneration and its reconstruction process starts on the fibre surface. FTIR investigations have proved different kinetics of polymer matrix degradation process for pure polymer and its composite with carbon fibre.