Ultra low density and highly crosslinked biocompatible shape memory polyurethane foams |
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| Authors: | Pooja Singhal Jennifer N. Rodriguez Ward Small Scott Eagleston Judy Van de Water Duncan J. Maitland Thomas S. Wilson |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Biomedical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843;2. Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550;3. Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, California 95616 |
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| Abstract: | We report the development of highly chemically crosslinked, ultra low density (～0.015 g/cc) polyurethane shape memory foams synthesized from symmetrical, low molecular weight, and branched hydroxyl monomers. Sharp single glass transitions (Tg) customizable in the functional range of 45–70 °C were achieved. Thermomechanical testing confirmed shape memory behavior with 97–98% shape recovery over repeated cycles, a glassy storage modulus of 200–300 kPa, and recovery stresses of 5–15 kPa. Shape holding tests under constrained storage above the Tg showed stable shape memory. A high volume expansion of up to 70 times was seen on actuation of these foams from a fully compressed state. Low in vitro cell activation induced by the foam compared with controls demonstrates low acute bio‐reactivity. We believe these porous polymeric scaffolds constitute an important class of novel smart biomaterials with multiple potential applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012 |
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| Keywords: | aneurysm low density foams polyurethane secondary‐shape forming shape memory polymer |
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