BULK CHARACTERIZATION

Bulk characterization of polymeric biomaterials provides assurance tha t the material is that which the user expects it to be, provides insig ht as to the presence of low molecular weight materials, provides a ba sis for interpreting the results of surface analyses and yields inform ation on the basic mechanical properties which are important in the st ructural use of the material. When available, polymer synthesis inform ation is one of the most important sources of information in attemptin g to understand and predict bulk polymer properties. Structural analys is of the material should include molecular weight determination and t ensile testing. More in-depth testing may be required, depending on th e intended application of the polymer. Hardness and density measuremen ts can provide quality-control indices. An understanding of polymer-so lvent interactions may be useful in designing fabrication methods, or providing information on the chemical bonding characteristics of the m aterial. When water, buffer, or other physiologically relevant fluid i s studied, information on polymer statbility may be obtained.