| abstract |
The exemplary embodiment of the present invention are provided which relate to at least partially degradable implants and methods for the manufacture thereof which can use powder molding techniques. For example, a suspension can be provided comprising a plurality of first particles of at least one organic polymer, a plurality of second particles of at least one metal-based material which is at least partially biodegradable in-vivo, and at least one solvent. The first and second particles can be substantially insoluble in the solvent. The suspension can be molded to form a green body comprising the first particles embedded in a matrix of compressed second particles. The first particles may be removed from the green body by thermally induced decomposition and/or evaporation. Further, the green body can be sintered to form the implant. The first particles may be removed during the sintering procedure. |