| abstract |
This invention provides water-swellable materials including polymeric fibers dispersed in a water-swellable polymer, and fiber-reinforced articles made from such water-swellable materials. The invention also provides a method of forming a fiber-reinforced, water-swellable material. These water-swellable materials and fiber-reinforced articles may be used in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications and may be suitable for implanted joint repair materials such as an articulating or bearing surface in an implanted hip, knee, spine, finger, elbow or shoulder joint. |