PIEZOELECTRIC COMPOSITES AND METHODS OF MAKING

摘要

There is a need for methods that can produce piezoelectric composites having suitable physical characteristics and also optimized electrical stimulatory properties. The present application provides piezoelectric composites, including tissue-stimulating composites, as well as methods of making such composites, that meet these needs. In embodiments, methods of making a spinal implant are provided. The methods suitably comprise preparing a thermoset, thermoplastic or thermoset/thermoplastic, or copolymer polymerizable matrix, dispersing a plurality of piezoelectric particles in the polymerizable matrix to generate dispersion, shaping the dispersion, inducing an electric polarization in the piezoelectric particles in the shaped dispersion, wherein at least 40% of the piezoelectric particles form chains.

主权项

1. A method of making a spinal implant, the method comprising:
a) preparing a thermoset, thermoplastic or thermoset/thermoplastic, or copolymer polymerizable matrix; b) dispersing a plurality of piezoelectric particles in the polymerizable matrix to generate a dispersion; c) shaping the dispersion; d) inducing an electric polarization in the piezoelectric particles in the shaped dispersion, wherein at least 40% of the piezoelectric particles form chains as a result of the induction of the electric polarization; and e) curing the dispersion to generate the spinal implant.