Preparation of Three‐Dimensional Scaffolds from Degradable Poly(ether)esterurethane by Thermally‐Induced Phase Separation

Abstract

Summary: Highly porous scaffolds with an overall volume up to 30 cm 3 and porosities in the range from 80% to 93% were prepared from degradable poly(ether)esterurethane by thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS) and subsequent solvent sublimation. The variation of the polymer concentration when applying a fixed TIPS cooling protocol led to an adjustment in pore size as well as in pore size distribution. While polymer concentrations of 5, 7.5 and 10 wt% resulted in averaged pore sizes ranging from 70 to 90 mm with a broad pore size distribution (according to m-CT analysis) for polymer concentrations of 15 wt% a significant lower averaged pore size of 50 mm with a narrow pore size distribution was obtained.

Shape‐Memory Properties of Polyetherurethane Foams Prepared by Thermally Induced Phase Separation

“…Alternatively, thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) can be applied, which offers several variable process parameters (e.g., type of solvent or mixture, concentration in solution, cooling procedure) to influence the pore morphology, especially the pore structure. Both closed and open pores may be formed 16–18…”