ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews basic chemical and physical properties of the synthetic polymers, the sterilization of the polymeric biomaterials, the importance of the surface treatment for improving biocompatability and the application of the chemogradient surface for the study on cell to polymer interactions. One major drawback of condensation polymerization is the tendency for the reaction to cease before the chains grow to a sufficient length. Addition polymerization can be achieved by rearranging the bonds within each monomer. The degree of polymerization is defined as an average number of mers, or repeating units, per molecule, that is, chain. Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymers are produced by three monomers; acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Polyesters such as polyethyleneterephthalate are frequently found in medical applications due to their unique chemical and physical properties. Polyamides are known as nylons and are designated by the number of carbon atoms in the repeating units. Silicone, natural, and synthetic rubbers have been used for the fabrication of implants.
