Understanding, and ultimately, predicting the degradation of bioresorbable composites made of biodegradable polyesters and calcium-based ceramics is paramount in order to fully unlock the potential of these materials, which are heavily used in orthopaedic applications and also being considered for stents. A modelling framework which characterises the degradation of bioresorbable composites was generated by generalising a computational model previously reported in literature. The framework uses mathematical expressions to represent the interwoven phenomena present during degradation. Three ceramic-specific models were then created by particularising the framework for three common calcium-based fillers, namely tricalcium phosphate (TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA) and calcium carbonate (CC). In these models, the degradation of a bioresorbable composite is described with four parameters: the non-catalytic and auto-catalytic polymer degradation rates, $k_1$ and $k_2'$ respectively and the ceramic dissolution rate and exponent, $A_\text{d}$ and $\theta$ respectively. A comprehensive data mining exercise was carried out by surveying the existing literature in order to obtain quantitative degradation data for bioresorbable composites containing TCP, HA and CC. This resulted in a database with a variety of case studies. Subsequently, each case study was analysed using the corresponding ceramic-specific model returning a set of values for the four degradation constants. Both cases with agreement and disagreement between model prediction and experimental data were studied. 76% of the 107 analysed case studies displayed the expected behaviour. In general terms, the analysis of the harvested data with the models showed that a wide range of degradation behaviours can be attained using different polymeric matrix - ceramic filler combinations. Furthermore, the existence of discrepancies in degradation behaviour between a priori similar bioresorbable composites became apparent, highlighting the high number of hidden factors affecting composite degradation such as polymer tacticity or ceramic impurities. The analysis of the case studies also highlighted that the ceramic dissolution rate needed to depict the portrayed degradation behaviours is significantly higher than that reported for ceramics alone in dissolution studies under physiological conditions, indicating that studies of the filler elements alone do not provide a complete picture. Lastly, the computational analysis provided insight into the complex influence of factors such as sample porosity and degradation protocol in the degradation behaviour. In addition to the computational analysis of literature data, an experimental degradation study was carried out with nanocomposites made of calcium carbonate and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide). This study showed the existence of a clear buering effect with the addition of the ceramic filler and confirmed the assumptions employed in the modelling framework in this particular bioresorbable composite. The detailed nature and modest size of these data enabled a more precise and thorough analysis using the CC composites degradation model. In summary, the modelling framework is able to capture the main degradation behaviour of bioresorbable composites and also point to factors responsible for dissimilar behaviours. The degradation maps generated with the values of $k_1$, $k_2'$, $A_\text{d}$ and $\theta$ output by the models appear to be a good tool to summarise, classify and facilitate the analysis and search of specific bioresorbable composites.

Les travaux de recherche réalisés, dans le cadre de la préparation de cette thèse ont pour objectif l’élaboration de nouveaux réseaux thermoréversibles biodégradables à base de polyglycolide (PGA) et d’hydrogels à base de polylactide (PLA) modifiés chimiquement au moyen du noyau furanique et du cycle maléimide. La réticulation du PGA, en suivant deux stratégies, en vue d’élaborer des réseaux thermoréversibles et biodégradables via la réaction de Diels-Alder a fait l’objet de la première partie de ce travail. Le but était entre autres de valoriser le PGA en conduisant à des structures réticulées avec des propriétés mécaniques requises tout en améliorant ses propriétés de stabilité. Des réseaux hybrides de PLA/PEG et PLA/PHEMA ont été ensuite synthétisés en phase fondu en adoptant la réaction de Diels-Alder comme mécanisme de réticulation. Une fois obtenus, leur mise au contact de l’eau conduit à la formation d’hydrogels. Les analyses structurales menées par RMN ont permis de confirmer la formation des structures attendues. La thermoréversibilité des réseaux obtenus a été montrée par des analyses rhéologiques. La morphologie des gels avant et après gonflement a été analysée par Microscopie Electronique à balayage. La dégradabilité des réseaux préparés a été examinée selon deux modes : hydrolytique et par les microorganismes en milieu aérobie. / The research conducted for the preparation of this thesis aims to develop new thermoreversible and biodegradable polyglycolic-acid (PGA) based networks and polylactic-acid (PLA) based hydrogels, from polymers chemically modified by means of furanic, and maleimide cycle. The cross-linking of PGA to develop thermoreversible and biodegradable networks via the Diels-Alder reaction has been done by following two strategies and was the first part of this work. The aim was, among other things, to enhance the PGA by leading to reticulated structures with required mechanical properties while improving its stability properties. Hybrid networks of PLA / PEG and PLA / PHEMA were then synthesized in the melt by adopting the Diels-Alder reaction as a crosslinking mechanism. Once obtained, their contact with water leads to the formation of hydrogels. NMR structural analyzes confirmed the formation of expected structures. The thermoreversibility of the obtained networks has been shown by rheological analyzes. The morphology of the gels before and after swelling was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. The degradability of prepared networks was examined in two modes: hydrolytic and aerobic by microorganisms.