Degradation studies of some polymeric biomaterials: Polypropylene (PP) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF)

Degradation studies of PP and PVDF monofilaments were carried out using a special chamber for several periods of time. One set of the samples was exposed to a 0.9 % NaCl solution and to ultraviolet radiation at 83 degrees C and the other set involved the exposition in air under the same conditions of irradiation and temperature. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showed direct evidence of PP degradation. Meanwhile, the PVDF monofilaments showed no apparent evidence of degradation under the same conditions. Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) curves, FTIR spectra and Oxidation Induction Time experiments confirmed the results of SEM Analysis.