ABSTRACT
Fully reacted polyurethane polymers, Chemical Abstract Service # (CAS #) 9009-54-5 (the Chemical Abstract Service Number is a registry with unique numerical identi ers for chemical elements, compounds, polymers, biological sequences), have unique mechanical and biological properties that make them ideal for many implantable devices. Polyurethanes display excellent mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, tear and abrasion resistance, and good blood compatibility. Accordingly, polyurethanes are widely used in medical implants such as cardiac pacemakers, catheters, cardiac assist devices, heart valves, wound dressings, and vascular grafts. The excellent mechanical properties of segmented polyurethanes are attributed to their two-phase morphology derived from microphase separation of soft and hard segments.
