Polyurethane is often used in medical device applications, and its use
continues to grow. But what can sustain this growth? Compared with other
polymers, polyurethane usually requires a complicated manufacturing process and
is more expensive per pound. For example, the average price of flexible
polyvinyl chloride is 85 cents per pound. The selling price of polyurethane is
10 to 20 times the price. So, what motivates medical device developers to use
them?
Polyurethane Sponge with Soap Solution
The answer is simple: Polyurethane can be used in applications where other materials do not work. Polyurethane is one of the most versatile building materials that can be used in medical equipment. They are tough, biocompatible and blood compatible. They can be strong elastomers or rigid plastics, and can be processed using extrusion, injection molding, blown film, solution dipping, and two-part liquid molding processes.
The unique chemical properties of polyurethane make it versatile. They are segmented polymers, which means they have soft segments that provide flexibility and hard segments that provide strength. Polyurethane is made of three basic components: backbone, diisocyanate and chain extender. The main chain is usually a long chain molecule, which provides flexibility to the polymer. The diisocyanate and the chain extender combine to form a hard segment, which acts as a crosslink. It provides polymers with high tensile strength and high elongation.
Polyurethane coating
High-strength polymers with properties suitable for medical devices are not necessarily the best material choice for implantation in the body. For example, heparin coatings are added to various catheters made of PVC, polyamide and polyurethane to enhance their antithrombotic properties. Similarly, specially formulated polyurethanes suitable for coatings have been widely used in medical device manufacturing. Likewise, their versatility makes them suitable for multiple applications. Polyurethane coatings can be hydrophilic, hydrophobic, antimicrobial, non-thrombogenic, drug-releasing or lubricating. The paint is dissolved in a solvent and applied to the substrate using dip coating or spraying techniques. The chemical properties of polyurethane coatings are the same as those of bulk polyurethane.
The range of available options for polyurethane coatings continues to expand. For example, some manufacturers are studying drug-eluting stent coatings. Patients with bare metal stents have a high rate of restenosis or obstruction. Certain drugs that reduce the rate of restenosis are incorporated into the polyurethane matrix and slowly released after the stent is in place. The drug release rate is controlled by the ratio of the hard segment content to the soft segment content of the polyurethane and the specific chemical reaction. However, the drugs that can be released from polyurethane have limitations. These limitations include the solubility of the drug in the polyurethane matrix and coating solvent, the diffusion rate and the chemical properties of the drug. Another key characteristic of these coatings is their ability to stretch and conform to the metal stent when the stent is deployed. The coating must not tear or crack.
Our company has Polyurethane Sponge with Soap Solution on sale, welcome to contact us.
