In vitro oxidation of high polydimethylsiloxane content biomedical polyurethanes: Correlation with the microstructure

Rebeca Hernandez, Jadwiga Weksler, Ajay Padsalgikar, James Runt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

79 Scopus citations

Abstract

The resistance to in vitro metal ion oxidation of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-containing thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (Elast-Eon™) is compared with that of a polyurethane consisting of the same hard segment chemistry and content, but with aliphatic polycarbonate soft segments (PCU). Scanning electron microscopy and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to assess changes in surface morphology and chemistry. The extent of bulk degradation was assessed indirectly by dynamic mechanical analysis and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments. The findings indicate that Elast-Eon™ is more resistant to oxidation than the PCU, because of the presence of the PDMS soft segments as well as its phase separated microstructure. The PCU exhibits a rather high degree of intermixing between hard and soft segments, rendering the hard segments dissolved or trapped in the soft phase more susceptible to oxidative conditions. By contrast, we propose that the existence of a completely phase separated PDMS soft phase in Elast-Eon™ protects the remainder of the segments from oxidation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)546-556
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research - Part A
Volume87
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2008

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Metals and Alloys

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'In vitro oxidation of high polydimethylsiloxane content biomedical polyurethanes: Correlation with the microstructure'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this