Fiber-matrix interface studies on bioabsorbable composite materials for internal fixation of bone fractures. II. A new method using laser scanning confocal microscopy.

In this study, a new visual characterization method was developed using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) to study morphologic properties, particularly at the fiber-matrix interface, by optical sectioning of bioabsorbable single-fiber composites. The interface gap width (IGW) between the fiber and matrix, and the changes in IGW after in vitro hydrolysis, named the gap rate (Rg), were measured from images obtained using the LSCM. Higher values for IGW and Rg showed faster degradation of the fiber-matrix interface. These parameters were used to investigate the effects of strain, wicking, different reinforcing fibers, and gamma-irradiation on the fiber-matrix interface morphology. The component materials used were nonbioabsorbable AS4 carbon (C) fibers, bioabsorbable calcium phosphate (CaP), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), and chitin fibers, and bioabsorbable poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) matrix. The application of strain on CaP/PLLA composites increased the IGW up to about 15%, after which there was no change up to 25%. The Rg for CaP/PLLA composites with the fiber ends exposed in vitro (permitting wicking) was greater than for CaP/PLLA with the fiber ends embedded completely within the matrix (preventing wicking). Open-end C/PLLA composites had the slowest rate of interface degradation in vitro, followed by chitin/PLLA, PGA/PLLA, and CaP/PLLA. The exposure of closed-end CaP/PLLA composites to 4 Mrad of gamma-irradiation, in air at room temperature or in vaccuum at 77K, accelerated the rate of interface degradation in vitro. In conclusion, an effective new visual characterization method was developed using LSCM, and it was used to show that (a) moderate strain could accelerate the degradation of the interface, (b) fiber-matrix interface wicking could accelerate the rate of degradation of the interface, (c) the rate of interface degradation depends on the type of fiber used, and (d) gamma-irradiation could accelerate the rate of interface degradation. Furthermore, the results of LSCM analysis of different reinforcing fibers with a PLLA matrix agree with measurements of interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and single-fiber tensile strength reported in Part I of this study.