A self-healing biomaterial based on free-radical polymerization

作者：Dailey Mary M Caruso; Silvia Alexander W; McIntire Patrick J; Wilson Gerald O; Moore Jeffrey S; White Scott R^*

来源：Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 2014, 102(9): 3024-3032.

DOI：10.1002/jbm.a.34975

• self-healing
• radical polymerization
• microencapsulation
• simulated body fluid
• epoxy vinyl ester

Self-healing chemistry used for damage repair have not previously been demonstrated for free-radical polymerization pathways. However, this chemistry is important for addition polymers such as poly(methyl methacrylate) used in bone cement and epoxy vinyl ester used in dental resins. Self-healing biomaterials offer the potential for safer and longer lasting implants and restoratives by slowing or arresting crack damage. In the free-radical self-healing system reported here, the three components required for polymerization (free-radical peroxide initiator, tertiary amine activator, and vinyl acrylate monomers) are compartmentalized into two separate microcapsules-one containing the peroxide initiator, and the other containing both monomer and activator. Crack damage ruptures the capsules so that the three components mix and react to form a new polymer that effectively rebonds the crack and restores approximately 75% of the original fracture toughness. Optimal healing is obtained by a systematic evaluation of the effect of monomer, initiator, and activator concentration on healing performance.

• 出版日期2014-9