Effect of Different Amine Catalysts on the Thermomechanical and Cytotoxic Properties of ‘Visco’-Type Polyurethane Foam for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Components for manufacturing polyurethane foams can adversely affect the human body, particularly if they are in contact with it for long periods. In applications where the foam is not placed directly into the body, the study of the product’s effects is often neglected. In the case of human skin, distinguishing the increasingly frequent problems of skin atopy, more attention should be paid to this. This paper presents the influence of the different catalytic systems on cytotoxic and thermomechanical properties in polyurethane foams. Among others, foams were produced with the most popular catalysts on the market, DABCO and a metal-organic tin catalyst. The foams were characterized by thermomechanical properties and were subjected to a cytotoxicity test against human keratinocytes. In biocompatibility tests with skin cells, the results were highly variable. VAB 2 with a catalytic system consisting of commercial Diethanolamine and Addocat®105 performed the best. However, with such a catalytic system, the mechanical properties have worsened.

Cytotoxic Properties of Polyurethane Foams for Biomedical Applications as a Function of Isocyanate Index

“…Previous studies have examined the effect of using different catalysts necessary for the synthesis of polyurethane foams on their properties [ 28 ]. It turned out that different sets of catalysts affect the mechanical properties of foams and, most importantly, their cytotoxicity.…”

Influence of Long-Term Storage and UV Light Exposure on Characteristics of Polyurethane Foams for Cryogenic Insulation

“…For PUR foam production, several catalysts are used, which are responsible for the foam's blowing (e.g., pentamethyldiethyltriamine Polycat 5) and curing (e.g., dicyclohexylmethylamine Polycat 12). Unfortunately, the majority of these catalysts are hazardous to the environment and to laboratory staff working with them [19]; therefore, novel, lessvolatile catalysts are being incorporated into PUR foam production [20]. The same concerns regarding the negative impact on the environment goes for blowing agents used in PUR foam production, e.g., hydrochlorofluorocarbon HCFC-141b and hydrofluorocarbon HFC-245fa [21]; therefore, more blowing agents with low global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) are being used.…”