Controlling the morphology of polyurethane/polystyrene interpenetrating polymer networks for enhanced blood compatibility

Abstract

Polyurethane (PU)/polystyrene (PS) IPNs were simultaneously synthesized at 80°C, controlling the reaction kinetics to change the morphology. Polymerization kinetics of styrene was controlled by the content of initiator, and that of polyurethane by the catalyst concentration. The effect of the initiator and the catalyst on the polymerization rate was analyzed by NMR spectroscopy and FTIR. Gelation time was also measured by using the advanced rheometric expansion system (ARES). Samples with sea-and-island morphology were obtained, when the polymerization rate of PS was relatively slow, and the phase separation time was long. When the polymerization rate of PS was relatively fast, and the phase separation time was short, cocontinuous morphology was obtained. The degree of phase separation and surface roughness decreased, as the rate of PU network formation was increased, and the phase-continuity was increased. The in vitro blood-compatibility tests showed that the surface roughness was an important factor on the adsorption of fibrinogens and platelets. A large amount of fibrinogens and platelets were adsorbed on the relatively rough surface of samples showing sea-island morphology. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 379–387, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10358