Coating of bioactive glass 13-93 fibres with biomedical polymers

The aim of this study was to coat bioactive glass 13-93 fibres with biomedical polymers. Two methods were used to coat the fibres, namely, dipping and pulling through a viscous solution. With both methods the fibres were successfully coated. Dipping was preferred for thin fibres (20-50 mu m) and with this method approximately 2-5 mu m thin polymer coat was obtained on the fibre surface. Pulling through viscous solution was preferred for thicker fibres (150-250 mu m) and with this method approximately 10-30 mu m polymeric coat was obtained. Coating the fibres enables further processing of the bioactive glass fibres and improves the mechanical properties and processibility of fibres. (c) 2006 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.