Creating biomedical thermoplastic elastomers by blending hydrophilic polymers with thermoplastic polyurethanes and polyether block amid copolymers

Abstract

Thermoplastic polyurethanes and polyether block amides have been used to manufacture catheters in the medical device industry for a number of years. One of the drawbacks of using these polymers is there lack of wet ability and lubricity. In use catheters made from these thermoplastic elastomers are typically coated with hydrophilic polymers. This is done in a secondary manufacturing operation. This paper will discuss the attempts to develop blends of hydrophilic polymers with thermoplastic polyurethanes and polyether block amid copolymers to achieve wet ability and lubricity. These polymers were melt-blended at concentrations of 25% and 50% using a twin screw extruder. Rheology, coefficient of friction and mechanical properties were studied.