1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands;2. MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, and Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
Abstract:
Tough networks are prepared by photo‐crosslinking high‐molecular‐weight DLLA and TMC macromers. These amorphous networks exhibit tunable thermal and mechanical properties and have excellent shape‐memory features. Variation of the monomer ratio allows adjustment of Tg between approximately ?13 and +51 °C. The elastic moduli at room temperature can be varied between 4.5 and 2730 MPa. The crosslinks allow the networks to return to their original shape after deformation. 60:40 DLLA:TMC networks have Tg values between room temperature and body temperature, with mechanical properties at body temperature close to soft tissues. Several medical devices are prepared from these networks.
