Ultra Low Density and Highly Crosslinked Biocompatible Shape Memory Polyurethane Foams. Academic Article uri icon

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 to controls demonstrates low acute bio-reactivity. We believe these porous polymeric scaffolds constitute an important class of novel smart biomaterials with multiple potential applications.

published proceedings

  • J Polym Sci B Polym Phys

altmetric score

  • 6.5

author list (cited authors)

  • Singhal, P., Rodriguez, J. N., Small, W., Eagleston, S., Van de Water, J., Maitland, D. J., & Wilson, T. S.

citation count

  • 98

complete list of authors

  • Singhal, Pooja||Rodriguez, Jennifer N||Small, Ward||Eagleston, Scott||Van de Water, Judy||Maitland, Duncan J||Wilson, Thomas S

publication date

  • May 2012

publisher