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Debra Charlesworth

At the Society for Biomaterials meeting in
2001 - my first professional meeting.  

Professional Memberships

• Society for Experimental Mechanics
• Society for Biomaterials
• Association of Women in Science
• American Society of Engineering Education
• American Association of University Women

Research Interests

My interests lie in the areas of Biomaterials and Assistive Technology. I am interested in developing new polymeric composites for orthopedic applications and devices for people, especially children, with disabilities in our community. I am not currently accepting graduate students to do research in my laboratory, but as a member of the graduate faculty, I collaborate with faculty in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering. Some projects I have continuing interests in are described below.

SRC-PMMA: Novel material for Total Hip Replacements

Bone cement, or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), is commonly used to anchor hip prostheses in the femur. The material is very brittle, however, and prone to fracture, fatigue and wear. A self-reinforced composite (SRC-PMMA) has been developed that has superior mechanical properties to bone cement, and is a potential material to act as a pre-coat for hip prostheses. This pre-coat would eliminate or reduce fracture at the surface of the prothesis, and improve the longevity of total hip replacements. Continuing research is investigating the nano-properties of the composite material, the wear properties, and improved processing techniques.

(left) Fracture of SRC-PMMA shows a more tortuous path than bone cement, indicating its superior toughness properties. Click the picture to see a quick time movie of the fracture process for a representative composite. The composites are highly birefringent, allowing us to see the stress develop in the composite as it is loaded.

Degradable Polymer Fibers and Composites

Degradable polymer fibers and composites are used in a variety of applications where it is desired to have a device that resorbs as the body heals. Some examples include sutures and bone plates. The primary problems in this area revolve around matching the degradation rate of the device to the healing rate of the tissue, managing the biocompatibility of the degradation products and fabricating materials that are strong enough for fracture fixation of loaded bones.Research tools include a custom built apparatus to measure the creep properties of degrading polymer fibers.

(left)Jenn Hudson puts the finishing touches on the degrading polymer creep device. Jenn built the device with her undergraduate senior design team. Continuing research is further developing the device and testing a variety of materials under physiological conditions.