Influence of fabrication process on the final properties of natural-rubber latex tubes for vascular prosthesis

Abstract

We report a process of fabrication of latex tubes using the dip-coating technique. We investigated centrifuged latex, with different original viscosities, extracted from the Hevea brasiliensis. The influence of the main deposition parameters (dip-coating velocity, mold material, mold diameter and number of coatings) and post-deposition drying process parameters (temperature and time) on the properties of the final samples are investigated and discussed. Additional investigation about the elastic behavior of the tubes is presented for strain values up to rupture. The rupture occurred at 120 mm for tubes 15 mm-long, which represents an elongation of 800%. The tubes presented two distinct elastic mechanisms, with the most elastic one being observed below an elongation of about 500%. During a cycled strain experiment with strain values below the rupture point, a hysteretic-like curve was observed, which was related to the uncurling and recurling of the polymeric chains.

Natural rubber latex used as drug delivery system in guided bone regeneration (GBR)

“…Natural rubber latex (NRL) extracted from Hevea brasiliensis has been widely used in the manufacturing of gloves, condoms, balloons, and parts of medical and dental equipment [1][2][3][4] . Typically for those applications, the processing of NRL was basically the same as those found in the tyres industry.…”

Natural Products: A Minefield of Biomaterials

“…This biologically compatible material can be used in contact or inside the human body, and it has been shown that natural rubber latex performs a biological action that accelerates the healing process, being a powerful stimulator of cicatrisation. It is well known that dried latex, in the rubber form, presents high resistance; high elasticity; and is an easy-shaping material, which increases its appeal for use in the fabrication of vascular prostheses [85,86].…”

Production and characterization of natural rubber–Ca/P blends for biomedical purposes

“…The treatment of bone defects around implants is a specific application of biomaterials in regenerative therapies, being used to isolate the wound, to prevent the invasion of epithelium cells at the site of injury and to accelerate the healing [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Considering the steps of bone regeneration, osteogenic particles can be released in a controlled manner by delivery systems to improve tissue regeneration, and the success of this process depends on the surface properties [9,10].…”