In situ analysis of the degree of polymerization of bone cement by using FT-Raman spectroscopy

A method has been developed which enables an in situ analysis of the degree of polymerization of bone cement. The concentration of monomeric double bond is monitored continuously during the entire curing process and hence the method can be used for quantitative studies of polymerization kinetics. In this study, Fourier Transform Raman (FTP) spectroscopy was utilized to investigate the degree of polymerization of a novel bone cement in situ, and the results are compared with the thermal profile obtained for polymerization.