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Softening of thermoplastic polyurethanes: a structure/property study.
R J Zdrahala1, D E Spielvogel, M A Strand
1Becton Dickinson Polymer Research, Dayton, Ohio 45401.
Journal of Biomaterials Applications
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) exhibit significant, reversible softening in a simulated body environment. This controllable property, dependent on polymer composition and morphology, highlights TPU as a promising biomaterial.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) are versatile (AB)n block copolymers.
- Understanding their behavior in physiological conditions is crucial for biomaterial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the softening of TPUs in a simulated body environment.
- To correlate softening with TPU composition, structure, morphology, and modifiers.
Main Methods:
- Studied TPUs with varying hard/soft segment ratios and molecular weights.
- Incorporated bulk/surface modifiers like polysiloxanes and fluorinated glycols.
- Measured elastic modulus decrease after 2-hour exposure to 37°C saline.
Main Results:
- Significant and reversible softening observed at body temperature.
- Softening degree is directly related to hard/soft segment ratio and microphase separation.
- Modifiers influenced the observed softening behavior.
Conclusions:
- TPU softening at body temperature is a controllable characteristic.
- This property can be tuned via synthesis and processing parameters.
- Controlled softening enhances TPU's suitability as a biomaterial.