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In vitro oxidation of high polydimethylsiloxane content biomedical polyurethanes: correlation with the microstructure
Rebeca Hernandez1, Jadwiga Weksler, Ajay Padsalgikar
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, USA. ruh10@psu.edu
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|January 11, 2008
Summary
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-containing Elast-Eon shows superior resistance to metal ion oxidation compared to polycarbonate (PCU) polyurethanes. This enhanced stability is attributed to PDMS soft segments and a distinct phase-separated microstructure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Polyurethane elastomers are widely used in biomedical applications.
- Understanding their oxidative degradation is crucial for material longevity.
- Comparing different soft segment chemistries reveals insights into material stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the in vitro metal ion oxidation resistance of Elast-Eon and a polycarbonate polyurethane (PCU).
- To investigate the influence of soft segment chemistry and microstructure on oxidative degradation.
- To elucidate the mechanisms behind differential oxidation resistance.
Main Methods:
- In vitro metal ion oxidation testing.
- Surface analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).
- Bulk degradation assessment via Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS).
Main Results:
- Elast-Eon demonstrated significantly higher resistance to oxidation than PCU.
- PCU showed substantial intermixing of hard and soft segments, increasing susceptibility.
- Elast-Eon's phase-separated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) soft phase appeared protective.
Conclusions:
- PDMS-containing Elast-Eon offers superior oxidative stability over PCU.
- Phase separation and PDMS soft segments are key factors in protecting Elast-Eon from oxidation.
- Microstructural differences dictate the oxidative degradation pathways in polyurethanes.
