Surface modification of polyurethane nanocomposite films via nonsolvent‐induced phase separation accelerated by graphene nanoplatelets

Polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite films were prepared through a solution casting technique slightly modified by individual and simultaneous additions of proper nonsolvent (ethanol) graphene nanoplatelets. To this end, different contents functionalizations (hydrophobic hydrophilic) used to modify the surface properties PU make it more biocompatible. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that both types had hampering effect on crystallization from solution, while enhanced crystallinity. According morphological results, hydrophobic showed low dispersion quality. In contrast, hydrophilic was better dispersed mainly localized at bulk film due its association with polar urethane groups in hard segments. Wettability analysis, performed water diiodomethane, employed demonstrate higher localization segments for samples loaded graphene. Cytotoxicity analysis also greater extent cell viability graphene, demonstrating direct correlation between biocompatibility enriching surface. This study shows great potential improving nonsolvent-induced phase separation achieve biocompatible material.