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Chapter category: BioMaterials

Synthesis, Physicochemical and Surface Characteristics of Polyurethanes

Chapter authors:
Martin Castonguay, Jeffrey T. Koberstein, Ze Zhang, and Gaétan Laroche

This Chapter constitutes the starting point that will bring the reader to the other subjects discussed in this book as, for example, the biological response and biostability related to polyurethanes (PUs) are primarily driven at the first steps with their Synthesis and processing. Many literature reviews have been published about the synthesis, phase separation, mechanical, chemical, and surface characteristics of polyurethanes. However, it was the authors' feeling that the concepts lying behind these subjects were often presented as having something to do with black magic. First, the synthesis of polyurethanes is most of the time described as a presentation of the various soft segments, hard segments and chain extenders that are currently used for the preparation of theses polymers. In the present Chapter, many efforts were put in presenting the experimental steps required to obtain polyurethanes, as well as the problems that may be encountered during the synthesis. Second, the importance of selecting the appropriate constituents and postsynthesis thermal treatments are also emphasized in relationship with the mechanical and chemical properties that are expected. In connection with this section, we have also compared the mechanical characteristics of PUs with other currently used biomedical polymers. Finally, the nature of the polyurethane composition implies a wide diversity of surface characteristics, which in turn, are of prime importance when dealing with an eventual use of PUs as biomaterials. Therefore, the means that should be put forward to modulate the PUs surface composition as well as its significance with the biological response are presented.

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