NEW APPLICATION NOTE FROM WYATT DEMONSTRATES THE ACCURATE AND RELIABLE CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYURETHANES IN MEDICAL DEVICES
Released on: April 9, 2008, 7:44 am
Press Release Author: The Scott Partnership
Industry: Pharmaceuticals
Press Release Summary: SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA (April 9 2008) - Wyatt Technology, the world leader in absolute macromolecular characterization instruments, has published a new, free-of-charge application note to demonstrate the accurate and reliable characterization of polyurethanes used in medical applications. Wyatt\'s powerful Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) detectors were found to provide vital information about the molecular structure of polyurethanes when coupled to the company\'s innovative on-line ViscoStar viscometer.
Press Release Body: NEW APPLICATION NOTE FROM WYATT DEMONSTRATES THE ACCURATE AND RELIABLE CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYURETHANES IN MEDICAL DEVICES
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA (April 9 2008) - Wyatt Technology, the world leader in absolute macromolecular characterization instruments, has published a new, free-of-charge application note to demonstrate the accurate and reliable characterization of polyurethanes used in medical applications. Wyatt\'s powerful Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) detectors were found to provide vital information about the molecular structure of polyurethanes when coupled to the company\'s innovative on-line ViscoStar viscometer.
Polyurethanes are increasingly being used in medical applications, outperforming many other materials with regards to robustness, biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, flexibility, abrasion resistance and processing versatility. Silicone, for example, is difficult to extrude and does not bond easily to non-silicone components. PVC is associated with increased concerns regarding leachable plasticizers while becoming brittle at low temperatures. Applications include short-term implants, artificial hearts, catheter and general-purpose tubing, surgical drains, intra-aortic balloon pumps, dialysis devices and medical garments. It is of utmost importance to test the structure-property relationships of polyurethanes prior to production in order to ensure that factors such as chemical composition, molar mass and molecular structure are within specifications to avoid possible fatal consequences to the device users.
Valuable information about the polymer structure and polymer-solvent interactions can be obtained from the log-log relation between the intrinsic viscosity and molar mass, called a Mark-Houwink plot. The typical way to determine a Mark-Houwink plot involves preparing narrow fractions and their characterization with batch light scattering and a capillary viscometer. However, this procedure is laborious and unsuitable for routine work. An efficient and rapid way to generate Mark-Houwink plots is to couple a MALS detector to an on-line viscometer and Size Exclusion Chromatograph. Such a configuration can achieve excellent repeatability and accuracy for sensitive comparison of slightly different samples.
For this particular application, Wyatt\'s SEC-MALS instrument and ViscoStar viscometer were combined to measure the Mark Houwink parameters of two polyurethanes. The curvature of the two Mark Houwink plots indicated branching in both polymers. In addition, the plots overlapped in the region of lower molar masses, indicating an identical degree of branching. Deviation of the plots towards higher molar masses revealed a higher branching degree of the red polymer, the plot of which became flat at the region of higher molar masses. This fact was explained by the presence of compact sphere-like fractions, which may be important for the final properties of the material.
For more information on Wyatt Technology\'s SEC-MALS instruments and the ViscoStar viscometer or to obtain a copy of this application note, please visit www.wyatt.com or e-mail info@wyatt.com
###
About Wyatt Based in Santa Barbara, California, Wyatt Technology is the world\'s leading provider of instruments for absolute macromolecular characterization. With over 35 years\' experience developing multi-angle light scattering detectors, working with customers in the biotechnology, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, academic and government arenas, Wyatt prides itself on its entrepreneurial spirit, and the uniqueness of its offerings. The Company\'s groundbreaking technology and uncompromising levels of customer care make Wyatt the global hallmark in its field. For more information, please visit www.wyatt.com
For further press information please contact: Laura Browne, The Scott Partnership, 1 Whiteside, Station Road, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. CW4 8AA United Kingdom Tel: + 44 1477 539539 Fax: +44 1477 539540 mail to: wyatt@scottpr.com
Web Site: http://www.wyatt.com
Contact Details: For further press information please contact: Laura Browne, The Scott Partnership, 1 Whiteside, Station Road, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. CW4 8AA United Kingdom Tel: + 44 1477 539539 Fax: +44 1477 539540 mail to: wyatt@scottpr.com