Open AccessUltra low density and highly crosslinked biocompatible shape memory polyurethane foams
Author(s) -
Singhal Pooja,
Rodriguez Jennifer N.,
Small Ward,
Eagleston Scott,
Van de Water Judy,
Maitland Duncan J.,
Wilson Thomas S.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of polymer science part b: polymer physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.65
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1099-0488
pISSN - 0887-6266
DOI - 10.1002/polb.23056
Subject(s) - polyurethane , materials science , shape memory alloy , composite material , dynamic mechanical analysis , monomer , glass transition , porosity , biocompatible material , shape memory polymer , modulus , reactivity (psychology) , chemical engineering , polymer , biomedical engineering , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , engineering
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 ( T g ) 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 T g 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