Radiopaque, barium sulfate‐filled biomedical compounds of a poly(ether‐block‐amide) copolymer

Various radiopaque compounds of a poly (ether‐ block ‐amide) copolymer resin filled with fine barium sulfate particles were prepared by melt mixing. Material properties of the filled compounds were investigated using various material characterization techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic rheometry, uniaxial tensile test, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The effects of the filler and its concentration on the measured material properties are evaluated. It has been found that in addition to its well‐known X‐ray radiopacity, the filler is quite effective in reinforcing some mechanical properties of the copolymer, including modulus of elasticity and yield strength. More interestingly, it has been observed that at low loading concentrations near 10 wt %, the filler may also act as a rigid, inorganic toughener for the copolymer by improving the postyield material extensibility of strain hardening against ultimate material fracture.