Macroporous polymer foams by hydrocarbon templating

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.97.5.1970
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T14:38:21Z
• Authors: Venkatram Prasad ...; Ivan Martin; Robert Langer
• Keywords: Molecular Structure; Polymers; Polyesters; Biocompatible Materials; 02 engineering and technology; Nose; Hydrocarbons; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; Humans; Polymethyl Methacrylate; Lactic Acid; 0210 nano-technology; Polyglycolic Acid

Porous polymeric media (polymer foams) are utilized in a wide range of applications, such as thermal and mechanical insulators, solid supports for catalysis, medical devices. A process the production polymer foams has been developed. This process, which is applicable to polymers, uses hydrocarbon particulate phase template precipitation subsequent pore formation. The use allows enhanced control over structure, porosity, other structural bulk characteristics foam. Polymer with densities low 120 mg/cc, porosity high 87%, surface areas (20 m 2 /g) have produced. Foams poly( l -lactic acid), biodegradable polymer, produced by this used engineer variety different structures, including tissues complex geometries likeness human nose.