Effects of surface modification on polymeric biocomposites for orthopedic applications

Often the goal in the development of a composite for any application is to combine the bulk properties of various phased components into a cohesive, uniform structure. It is not surprising then that the interface between two phases within the composite, frequently a liquid and a solid, is a vital relationship that has numerous downstream effects. The surfaces of the individual components can be altered and tailored in numerous ways, before combining them in a composite form, to achieve desired properties of the individual components within the composite or the resultant composite structure as a whole. 

This chapter will focus on fundamental concepts related to surface modification of materials utilized within polymeric biocomposites for orthopedic applications. For this chapter, orthopedic applications are defined as medical indications or procedures that benefit from utilization of polymeric biocomposites and/or additional implanted therapeutic material to aid in bone regeneration at a localized site. The term surface modification refers to the physical attachment of molecules, predominantly silanes and/or polymers, to the surface of a solid-phase material. Polymeric biocomposites are a class of biomaterials that comprises a biocompatible bulk polymer and a particulated solid phase, often referred to as a binder and a filler, respectively. As there are vast combinations of polymers and solid materials that fit this definition, this chapter highlights solely those combinations that have been utilized for orthopedic applications, in either the acadenuc or the medical industry settings. 

This chapter will not discuss surface modification methods used throughout orthopedic applications not related to polymeric biocomposites. These methods focus on improving the interaction between bulk materials, such as metal implants, and the body through modification of the implant surface. Although this is an important field of smdy, the effects of these forms of surface modification are not applicable to polymeric biocomposites. 

The chapter outUne is as follows. The first section provides a general overview of related orthopedic applications as well as the state of materials currently utilized in clinical settings related to these applications. This background information is followed by common approaches and methods for modil g the surface solid-phase materials in the orthopedic field. Next, an overview of the materials including the types of polymers and solid fillers used within polymeric biocomposites for orthopedic applications is given, as well as fabrication methods. Afterward, the effects of surface 

Nanocomposites for Musculoskeletal Tissue R neration. http //dx.doi. N 10.1016/B9 re-l- re242-452-9.00003-0 Copyright 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved 

---

Effects of surface modification on polymeric biocomposites for orthopedic applications... 

---