Synthesis and characterization of calcium-containing polyurethane using calcium lactate as a chain extender

In this study, a calcium-containing monomer, namely calcium lactate, was used for the synthesis of calcium-containing polyurethane for use in biomedical applications. Ether-based polyurethane was prepared using poly(oxytetramethylene)glycol, hexamethylene diisocyanate and calcium lactate. The prepared polymer was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, which confirmed the presence of ionic linkages in the main chain. The thermal behavior, mechanical properties and viscosity of the polymer were studied, and the properties were compared with those of a control polyurethane sample without any metal. Because of ionic clustering in calcium lactate-incorporated ionic polyurethane, the mechanical properties and storage modulus were enhanced compared with those of nonionic polyurethane. The prepared calcium-containing polyurethane was evaluated for its blood compatibility. An evaluation of blood–material interactions revealed that the material is blood compatible and that the polymer does not induce any hemolysis. Polymer Journal (2012) 44, 1009–1014; doi:10.1038/pj.2012.51; published online 4 April 2012