Correlation Between Chemical and Mechanical Properties in Renewable Poly(ether‐block‐amide)s for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Renewable poly(ether‐block‐amide)s (PEBAs), with different polyamide/polyether (PA/PE) ratios, are characterized for the development of biomedical devices. The effect of the chemical composition on the mechanical properties is studied via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and broadband electric spectro­scopy (BES). FTIR spectroscopy evidences the presence of different PA crystalline domains depending on the PA/PE ratio, as also evidenced by TGA and DSC. Such differences influence the molecular dynamics, as shown by DMA and BES, and the mechanical properties characterized by tensile tests. Indeed, PEBAs with a higher PA/PE ratio are stiffer due to a higher crystalline degree.

Effect of steam on structure and mechanical properties of biomedical block copolymers

“…The FT‐IR spectrum of PEBA reported in Figure was already analyzed in a previous work . The main peaks are assigned as fingerprints of the PA block (NH stretching of amide in PA segment at 3292 cm −1 , Amide I at 1640 cm −1 ; Amide II at 1539 cm −1 ), the PE block (asymmetric and symmetric stretching modes of the COC linkages between 1280 and 1017 cm −1 ) and their ester linkage (CO stretching of ester group at 1733 cm −1 ) .…”

“…Properties and stability of PEBAs have been extensively studied by the authors in their previous works, even in relation with possible degradation agents. Initially, Todros et al focused on two non‐renewable PEBAs, with different PA/PE block ratios, for winter sport applications and studied the effect of a specific treatment that simulates freezing and melting thermal cycles of residual adsorbed water (such as snow) in the materials.…”

“…Initially, Todros et al focused on two non‐renewable PEBAs, with different PA/PE block ratios, for winter sport applications and studied the effect of a specific treatment that simulates freezing and melting thermal cycles of residual adsorbed water (such as snow) in the materials. Subsequently, two different renewable PEBAs, at their native state, were studied in order to evaluate their potential biomedical application. The aim was to substitute non‐renewable polymers with renewable ones, with the same mechanical properties.…”

Drug delivery system based on poly(ether‐block‐amide) and acrylic acid for controlled release of vancomycin

“…11 Therefore, it was expected that the hydrophilicity of PEBA changes when the PAAc was grafted. 11 Therefore, it was expected that the hydrophilicity of PEBA changes when the PAAc was grafted.…”

“…4,5 Among thermoplastic elastomers, it can be found that the poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBA) copolymer which consists of linear chains of rigid polyamide blocks and flexible polyether blocks united chemically via an ester linkage. 11,12 This material has advantages in biomedical applications over other polymer used as biomedical devices such as poly(vinyl chloride), which requires the use high concentrations of risky plasticizer to reach similar flexibility. 8,9 Due to these properties, this copolymer has been used in different applications including membrane for food packaging, 9 gas separation, 10 and biomedical devices.…”