https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2013-01994-8
Regular Article
Molecular dynamics studies of polyurethane nanocomposite hydrogels
1 Division of Applied Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 57, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
2 Department of Polymer Technology, Chemical Faculty, Gdańsk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
3 Department of Solid State Physics, Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdańsk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
4 Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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Received: 8 June 2013
Revised: 9 August 2013
Published online: 23 October 2013
Abstract
Polyurethane PEO-based hydrogels have a broad range of biomedical applicability. They are attractive for drug-controlled delivery systems, surgical implants and wound healing dressings. In this study, a PEO based polyurethane hydrogels containing Cloisite® 30B, an organically modified clay mineral, was synthesized. Structure of nanocomposite hydrogels was determined using XRD technique. Its molecular dynamics was studied by means of NMR spectroscopy, DMA and DSC analysis. The mechanical properties and thermal stability of the systems were improved by incorporation of clay and controlled by varying the clay content in polymeric matrix. Molecular dynamics of polymer chains depends on interaction of Cloisite® 30B nanoparticles with soft segments of polyurethanes. The characteristic nanosize effect is observed.
© EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag, 2013
