Semi-alicyclic polyimides as potential membrane oxygenators: Rheological implications on film processing, morphology and blood compatibility

[摘要] Two polyimide structures were prepared from an alicyclic dianhydride and aromatic diamines, containing or lackingfluorine, and were tested as potential membrane oxygenators. First, the solution rheological properties were investigatedto evaluate their effect on film processing by tape casting. Velocity and shear rates profiles were simulated to determine theshearing conditions during tape casting and transfer them in the flow curves. Proper films were obtained at a viscosity correspondingto a concentration in entangled regime, where pseudoplastic behavior is still noticed at shear rates beneath theblade. Theoretical predictions of gas permeability indicated a good oxygen (O2) exchange and carbon dioxide (CO2) removalthrough the studied polymers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) scans revealed a morphology characterized by an intrinsicporosity. The pore size, uniformity and size distribution was affected by the structure of the diamine moiety. The interactionsof blood with polyimide films indicated no prevalent adhesion of cells or plasma proteins. The results showed that the examinedsamples have adequate properties for potential membrane oxygenator applications.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）

[关键词] material testing;rheology;polyimide;hemocompatibility