Selecting polymers for medical devices based on thermal analytical methods

• Published in: Journal of thermal analysis and calorimetry Vol. 93; no. 2; pp. 535 - 539
• Main Authors: Sobhi, H., Matthews, M. Ellen, Grandy, B., Masnovi, J., Riga, A. T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01-08-2008; Springer
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Inorganic Chemistry; Measurement Science and Instrumentation; Medical sciences; Physical Chemistry; Polymer Sciences; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments; polyethylenes; silicones polypropylene; nylon; PTFE; TMA; polyamide; prosthetic devices; polyacetal; polyglycolide; polymethyl methacrylate; TG; polyester; DSC; OOT; polyketal; DMA; polyurethane; OIT; polyether ether ketone; polylactide; polycarbonate; polyvinyl chloride; PET; Nylon; Tetrafluoroethylene polymer; Polyetheretherketone; Methyl methacrylate polymer; Acetal polymer; Classification; Olefin polymer; Biomaterial; Polyvinyl chloride; Polycarbonate; Siloxane polymer; Medical application; Thermomechanical analysis; Differential scanning calorimetry; Ester polymer; Lactic acid polymer; Dynamic mechanical properties; Polyurethane; pros thetic devices; Thermal analysis
• ISSN: 1388-6150; 1588-2926; 1572-8943
• DOI: 10.1007/s10973-008-9086-z

This biomaterials overview for selecting polymers for medical devices focuses on polymer materials, properties and performance. An improved understanding of thermoplastics and thermoset properties is accomplished by thermal analysis for device applications. The medical applications and requirements as well as the oxidative and mechanical stability of currently used polymers in devices are discussed. The tools used to aid the ranking of the thermoplastics and thermosets are differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) as well as a number of key ASTM polymer tests. This paper will spotlight the thermal and mechanical characterization of the bio-compatible polymers e.g., olefins, nylon, polyacetals, polyvinyl chloride and polyesters.