Abstract
This biomaterials overview for selecting polymers for medical devices focuses on polymer materials, properties and performance. An improved understanding of thermoplastics and thermoset properties is accomplished by thermal analysis for device applications. The medical applications and requirements as well as the oxidative and mechanical stability of currently used polymers in devices are discussed. The tools used to aid the ranking of the thermoplastics and thermosets are differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) as well as a number of key ASTM polymer tests. This paper will spotlight the thermal and mechanical characterization of the bio-compatible polymers e.g., olefins, nylon, polyacetals, polyvinyl chloride and polyesters.
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Sobhi, H., Matthews, M.E., Grandy, B. et al. Selecting polymers for medical devices based on thermal analytical methods. J Therm Anal Calorim 93, 535–539 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-008-9086-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-008-9086-z