In Situ Study of the Influence of Degradation of Different Types of Polymer Matriсes on Their Mechanical Properties inside Sem

Abstract

The architecture and mechanical properties of synthetic biocompatible scaffolds used in modern tissue engineering are the most important characteristics in the manufacture of medical implants, and the evolution of their mechanical properties during degradation is of particular interest. This paper presents the results of in situ mechanical tests in a scanning-electron-microscope chamber of spongy oriented and nonoriented polymer matrices of various compositions. The stress-strain curves for the matrices under uniaxial compression are obtained, and the mechanical properties of the materials are analyzed depending on their morphological features, modification with biopolymers, and degree of degradation. The results of mechanical tests are compared with images obtained in a scanning electron microscope at different stages of compression.