ABOUT THE PROJECT

In this project, we discuss about polymers, its medical uses,

structures, application, pros as well as cons. Polymers are a better
option due to its non-reactive capability towards human body. In this
project we discuss about biodegradable polymers, its use in
biomaterials, comparison between its properties and compatibility
with human body, which are very important in the medical field. Also,
project explains some health hazards and benefits while using the
polymers.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude

towards our chemistry teacher Mrs. Sreekala T.G., our
chemistry associate teacher Mrs. Elishuba Isaac, and
our lab assistant Mr. Shaji for their valuable and useful
guidance which helped me to finish this project.

I extent my gratitude to our Principal Mr.

Varghese Samuel for providing me with the chance to
complete this project.

I would also like to thank my parents and

classmates for motivating and helping me for the
completion of this project.
Biodegradable polymers are used to make implants and helps with
bone fixations or sutures (stitches of rows of stitches around a
wound).

USE IN BIOMATERIALS

A polymer biomaterial when comes in contact of blood

and tissues should not cause any harm or destroy
components of blood or tissues. It should not be toxic or
allergic and it should be easy to fabricate, sterilize without
alteration in properties.

 APPLICATIONS
 To construct artificial replacements for human
organs.
 To repair, sustain and augment functions of organs.

 To provide biochemical functions.

 SOME EXAMPLES ARE:

 Silicon polymers:

They are some of the most useful polymers in

medical field as they have superb chemical inertness to
body fluids and are non-toxic. Moreover, they are
flexible materials.
Reports have cited increased cancer risk and severe
immune responses from possible leakage of the silicone
from implants.
 Polymethyl methacrylate:

It is a transparent medium and is also known as

acrylic or acrylic glass. It is a rigid thermoplastic
widely used as a shatterproof replacement for
glass.
It also has many technical advantages over there
transparent polymers such as:

 High resistance to UV light and

weathering

 Excellent light transmission

 Unlimited colouring options.

It is a clear and colourless polymer available pellet,

Small granules and sheet forms. They are then formed
With thermoplastic methods including injection
moulding and other materials.
FEATURES:
 Transmittance:
 They have a refractive index of about 1.49
hence they offer high light transmittance. It allows
92% of light to pass through it making it more
transparent than glass or any other plastics.

 Surface Hardness:
It is tough durable and lightweight.
They have a density which is half less than that of
glass. These offer a great level of scratch resistance
and also doesn’t absorb water at all.

 Chemical Resistance:

Acrylics are unaffected by aqueous solutions

of most laboratory chemicals.

LIMITATIONS:
 Poor impact resistance.

 Limited heat resistance.

 Limited chemical resistance, prone to attack

by organic solvents.

 Poor wear and abrasion resistance (ability to

withstand wear and tear due to friction of
mechanical parts)
 Cracking due to load is also possible.