Creep rupture behavior of polypropylene suture material and its applications as a time-release mechanism

Journal Article · Sun May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1983 · J. Biomed. Mater. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.820170303· OSTI ID:6788362

Kusy, R P; Whitley, J Q

The controlled failure of polypropylene (PP) sutures is studied via creep rupture tests. From plots of log time (tB) vs. stress (sigma), linear relationships are generated over the failure times of 1-1000 h. Results show that as a function of stress, the time dependence varies with irradiation dose (15, 20, 25, and 50 Mrad), irradiation atmosphere (air and vacuum), suture diameter (7-0, 6-0, 5-0, and 4-0), and test temperature (26 and 37 degrees C). For a given stress, the time to failure is least for the greatest dose in the presence of air and at the highest temperature. When suture loops are wrapped around a small wire sheave, however, failure occurs in the largest suture as much as two decades sooner than the smallest suture studied. Within the limitations stated herein, they are independent of test method, loop diameter, aging, and humidity. Consequently, after irradiation in vacuum and postirradiation heat treatment, the processed material may be stored at room temperature for at least 1 month. Such materials are advocated when the time release of a dental or medical device is required, for example, in the self-activating cleft palate appliance.

• Research Organization: Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• OSTI ID: 6788362
• Journal Information: J. Biomed. Mater. Res.; (United States), Vol. 17:3, Issue 3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
SURGICAL MATERIALS
INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHY
RUPTURES
STRESSES
DENTISTRY
HEAT
IONIZING RADIATIONS
POLYPROPYLENE
TIME DEPENDENCE
ENERGY
FAILURES
MATERIALS
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
MEDICINE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
POLYMERS
POLYOLEFINS
RADIATIONS
360406* - Materials- Polymers & Plastics- Radiation Effects- (-1987)