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Low-Density Microcellular Polymer Foams: Applications in Biomaterials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2011

A. Sylwester
Affiliation:
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185-5800
J. Aubert
Affiliation:
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185-5800
P. Rand
Affiliation:
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185-5800
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Abstract

Microcellular polymer foams are of interest as biomaterials for uses such as artificial skin, synthetic vascular replacements, artificial organs, and for use in permeable drug delivery systems. We wish to report the use of thermally - induced phase separation as a technology by which a variety of polymer foams can be prepared. This process permits control of foam morphology, cell size, and density. Importantly, the phase separation process results in fully open-celled foam structures. Additives such as small molecules and functionalized polymers have been incorporated into these microcellular foams resulting in polymer surfaces with controlled porosity and chemical modification. Microcellular polyurethane foams, with chemically modified surfaces, have potential application as small-diameter vascular replacements.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1988

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References

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