New polyurethane materials from renewable resources: synthesis and characterization
AbstractIn the present study new types of polyurethane-cellulose derivative biomaterials based on urethane prepolymers functionalized with hydroxypropylcellulose are presented. The aim of the present study is to obtain materials with better haemocompatibility, biocompatibility and amphiphilic microphase-separated domain structures. The outcome of remarkable chemical versatility characteristic to polyurethane materials combined with polymers derived from nature like cellulose derivatives resulting in bulk and surface properties is evidenced by means of different techniques like DSC, TGA, FT-IR, AFM and mechanical tensile tests. The influence of various factors on the developed morphologies and the microstructural changes is investigated. Both polyester and polyether macrodiols have been used to prepare these polyurethanes. The aim of this study is to find also alternative methods for improving biostability while maintaining the excellent biocompatibility and other properties.