ABSTRACT
The present work focuses on the thermal stability and viscoelastic characterization of PLA polymer and copolymer and the lifetime estimates due thermal aging. Thus, only the degradation due heat conditions is modeled. This study is absolutely necessary for task such us estimating the reliable storage of these type of materials before their application, under oxidative atmosphere and depending on the temperature. The results allow to define an optimal storage temperature. In addition, as thermal conditions can affect to material
1 INTRODUCTION
The Poly(Lactic) Acid (PLA) polymers and copolymers are designed specifically for formulations as biomaterials, mainly due their biodegradability and biocompatibility properties (Anderson 1997). In the present case, the studied polymers were obtained for developing bio-scaffolds. In fact, after the loss of dental and periodontal tissue, due to different reasons, bio-scaffolding helps to promote new bone tissue growth, being used before or by placing a titanium implant (Hollister 2005). In situ tissue engineering is a relatively new concept, which involves the use of different materials and methods for covering bone defects, particularly critical, or for maintaining alveolar processes after tooth extraction, where conventionally dentures or dental implants osseointegrated could be placed.
