Polyurethane Implant Material With Side-Chain Compatibilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incorporation of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a soft segment in polyurethane materials reduces mechanical properties due to significant differences in solubility parameters between the soft and hard segments, leading to stress accumulation and poor stress transfer at the interface.
Innovation Solution
Introduce functional side chains with a solubility parameter of 6 to 8 into the hard segments of polyurethane, chemically bonding one end to the hard segments and miscibly linking with the soft segments, enhancing compatibility and stress transfer between the segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is introduced as soft segment raw material to enhance biocompatibility and biostability, then biocompatibility and biostability are improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate due to stress accumulation at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
A compatibilizer with a solubility parameter of 6 to 8 is introduced as an intermediary substance between the PDMS soft segment and the PU hard segment. The compatibilizer contains functional groups that can interact with both segments, reducing the interfacial tension and improving stress transfer. Specifically, the compatibilizer forms a transition zone at the interface, allowing gradual transition of solubility parameters from the soft segment to the hard segment, thereby eliminating the sharp interface and reducing stress accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solubility parameter of the hard segment is modified by incorporating compatibilizer molecules with intermediate solubility parameters (6 to 8). This creates a gradient in solubility parameters from the soft segment (PDMS) through the compatibilizer layer to the hard segment (PU). The parameter change approach transforms the abrupt interface into a gradual transition zone, improving compatibility and stress distribution throughout the material structure.
2Reliability
If polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is incorporated into polyurethane materials, then biocompatibility is enhanced, but stress transfer between soft and hard segments deteriorates due to large difference in solubility parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The compatibilizer acts as a molecular bridge between the soft and hard segments. It contains functional groups that can form interactions with both PDMS and PU segments, creating a continuous stress transfer pathway. The compatibilizer molecules position themselves at the interface region, with portions interacting with the soft segment and portions interacting with the hard segment, thereby mediating the stress transfer and preventing stress concentration at the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a three-component composite system consisting of the PDMS soft segment, the PU hard segment, and the compatibilizer with intermediate solubility parameters. This composite structure combines the advantages of both segments while using the compatibilizer to ensure proper interfacial bonding and stress distribution. The composite material approach allows each component to maintain its unique properties while achieving overall system compatibility and mechanical integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modified polyurethane exhibits improved mechanical properties by reducing stress accumulation at the interface and increasing stress transfer points, resulting in enhanced biocompatibility and biostability.
Implementation Method 1
The functional side chain is grafted to at least one of the first main chain unit and the second main chain unit
Implementation Method 2
the functional side chain has a solubility parameter in a range of 6 to 8... miscibly linking with the soft segments, enhancing compatibility and stress transfer between the segments
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an implantable material, a synthesis method therefor, and a prosthetic heart valve. The implantable material is made of polyurethane, whose molecular chain structure includes soft and hard segments. Functional side chains are grafted onto the hard segment, and the functional side chains have a solubility parameter in a range of 6 to 8. In the present disclosure, the introduction of functional side chains into the hard segments enhances compatibility between the hard and soft segments while increasing stress transfer points between them. This results in implantable polymer material with superior mechanical properties.