INVESTIGATION ON SUITABILITY OF POLY(URETHANEIMIDES) AS BIOMATERIALS

The mechanical properties of poly(urethaneimides) (PUI) were compared with known biomedical polyurethanes. The resistance of PUI to extracti on with hexane and water and to sterilization with ethylene oxide or w ater vapor was stated. Water sorption and the permeability of water va por, oxygen, and carbon dioxide through PUI foils were investigated. I n blood compatibility, the PUI foils were similar to cellulose materia l Cuprophane, used in dialysis. Preliminary in vivo testing of PUI imp lanted in rats indicated good biocompatibility of this polymer. (C) 19 95 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.