Surface hydroxylation of styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymers for biomaterials

This work pertains to the development of high strength elastomers potentially useful as nonthrombogenic cardiovascular prostheses. Triblock copolymers of the styrene–butadiene–styrene type have been subjected to surface hydroxylation which provide reactive sites at the surface for the subsequent coupling of heparin while retaining the unique mechanical properties of the SBS copolymers. Curves of hydroxyl content versus the copolymer film thickness demonstrate the effect of swelling in the surface region on the product distribution and on the time dependence of the hydroxylation process. In addition, the effect of time, temperature, and the composition of the reaction bath on the diffusion/reaction process is shown. Finally, the general applicability of this surface modification scheme to the development of biomaterials is discussed.