Assessment of mechanical properties and biocompatibility of Pellethane.

Pellethane CPR 2363-80A nonreinforced (PUR), non-reinforced and twice sterilized (PUR F2), reinforced with Dacron (Dm), Grisuten (DG) and glassfibre (PUG) and fabricated under different conditions have been examinated. Tests included uniaxial tension at 310 K, torsional movement from 293 to 319 K, X-ray structure, SEM, visual surface clotting, thrombocyte adhesion and degree of albumenisation. Typical in vitro results were: modulus of elasticity E [MPa] (PUR: 1.33, Dm: 4.22, DG: 1.86, PUG: 622.5), tensile strength delta B [MPa] (43.4, 12.5, 21.7, 24.9), elongation at break delta [%] (1122, 109, 660, 479), dynamic modulus of sliding G', G" [MPa] at 293 K (8.7, 0.4/ 15.9, 0.9/ 12.1, 1.3/ 17.1, 1.5), damping tan delta (0.13, 0.1, 0.16, 0.12), orientational degree at 5% elongation fx [%] (PUR: 0.5), low thrombogenicity and high degree of albumenisation. The results indicate a strong dependency of mechanical and biocompatibility properties on membrane and housing fabrication. The most effective combination is a thin PUR membrane and a PUG housing fabricated under special conditions.