Polyurethane networks based on poly(ethylene oxide)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A wide range of infinite urethane polymer networks were prepared from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) using 1,1,1‐tris‐(hydroxymethyl) ethane (THME) as the cross‐linking agent. The influence of temperature, cross‐linking, and crystallinity on the swelling character of the hydrogel has been discussed. The toxicity of the network polymer by intravaginal implants in rats was studied. Implantation of the polymer did not result in alteration in behavior and feed intake or any pathological changes in the tissue. Vaginal fluids from the polymer‐implanted rats or the polymer extract when inoculated on a listeria monocytogene culture plate were unable to inhibit the bacterial growth. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.