S. Hsu, Jen Chen
Sep 1, 1999
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Influential Citations
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Journal
Polymer Degradation and Stability
Abstract
Abstract 2-Butene-1,4-diol was used as the chain extender in poly(ether)urethane (PEU) synthesis. The carbon–carbon double bonds introduced are presumed to serve as scavengers for free radicals that are generally believed to cause oxidative biodegradation. Two categories of PEU, one chain extended with 1,4-butanediol and the other chain extended with 2-butene-1,4-diol, were synthesized by a general two-stage polymerization method. Biostability was tested in an in vitro accelerated environment. The degradative effect was examined by optical microscopy combined with a self-designed image analysis program, as well as by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy. Blood compatibility was evaluated by a platelet adhesion index (RIPA). It was found that PEU using 2-butene-1,4-diol as chain extender showed less surface degradation in the biostability test. Platelet adhesion was similar for all PEU. Results indicated that using butenediol in PEU synthesis could enhance the biostability of the product without impairing its blood compatibility.