Method of making shape memory polymer for biomedical applications

摘要

Shape memory polymers (SMP) based on poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) in the presence of 2-carboxyethyl acrylate oligomers (CEA), multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and cross linked by ionizing radiation were investigated. Chemical crosslinking by glutaraldehyde for PVA in the presence of CEA and MWCNTs was also studied. Radiation cross linked SMP exhibits good temperature responsive shape memory behavior as demonstrated by thermal properties of radiation investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis. Transition temperature at Tan ´ of radiation cross linked SMP decreased significantly by 6 and 13 °C due to addition of MWCNTs. The developed SMP exhibited promising shape memory behavior of radiation cross linked SMP for biomedical applications between temperatures range of Tan ´. Results on the gel fraction revealed significant reduction in swelling and increase in gelation due to chemical cross linking with glutaraldehyde. The radiation cross linked SMP reached 100 % gelation at an irradiation dose of 50 kGy.