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Updated: Sep 24, 2025

Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application
Published on: March 8, 2019
Bio-elastomers based on polyocimene synthesized via coordination polymerization using neodymium-based catalytic
Luis Valencia1, Francisco Javier Enríquez-Medrano2, Héctor Ricardo López González2
1Materials Technology and Chemistry, Alfa Laval Tumba AB SE-14782 Tumba Sweden luisalexandro.valencialopez@alfalaval.com.
Abstract:
Towards the development of eco-friendly alternatives of elastomeric materials, which can replace petroleum-based materials, it is crucial to explore different monomers and catalytic systems in order to find the best possible combinations for specific applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of polyocimene via coordination polymerization using two different neodymium-based catalysts (NdV3 and Nd(Oi-Pr)3), activated by alkylaluminums/organoboron compounds. By varying the type of co-catalyst species, halide donors, and reaction parameters, we have demonstrated the possibility to obtain polymers with a controlled microstructure and tunable properties, in terms of molecular weight characteristics and kinetics. Our results provide important insights towards the search for the optimum catalytic system to produce bio-elastomers.
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