Synthesis, electrospinning and characterization of novel biostable polyisobutylene (PIB)-based thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) have been performed. Electrospun mats were generated with fiber diameters in the submicron to 2 �m range as observed using scanning electron microscopy. Porosity of electrospun TPU fiber mats was investigated using Hg intrusion porosimetry. Fiber mats contained a distribution of pore sizes between 0.4 and 10 microns, with total porosity of ~40%. Thermal analysis of electrospun mats showed increased crystallinity compared to the bulk material. The electrospun fiber mats exhibited ultimate tensile strength of 5 to 7 MPa and ultimate elongation of 130 to 110% with TPUs of increasing hardness. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed loss modulus of 1 to 2 MPa which withstood a range of frequencies. The biostability and excellent mechanical properties of these PIB-based TPUs indicates great potential for these materials as biostable vascular graft materials.

Electrospinning and characterization of biostable polyisobutylene-based thermoplastic polyurethanes

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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