Characterization of polyurethane/ferrite nanocomposites

Abstract

Polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite materials, offer very desirable advantages over pure PU materials,as the nanocomposites have enhanced thermal, surface, mechanical and biological properties. The main goal of this study was to develop a new kind of novel nanocomposites consisting of crosslinked PUs (based on poly(dimetylsiloxane) and hyperbranched polyester) and ferrite nanoparticles (based on copper and zinc) for possible application as coatings on biomedical devices and implants. A series of PU/ferrite nanocomposites was prepared by in situ polymerization in solution. Characterization of prepared nanocomposites nanocomposites was conducted by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Copper and zinc releases were investigated by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES). Characteristics of the prepared nanocomposites when in contact with a biological environment were examined through testing their biocompatibility, and adhesion of fibroblast cells. The presence of the nanoferrite nanoparticles influenced on surface and biological properties of PU nanocomposites. The prepared PU nanocomposites with noncytotoxic chemistry could be used as promising materials for vascular implants development.