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e1
QUESTIONS
1. The two major mechanisms of chemical degradation
of polymers in vivo are hydrolysis and oxidation.
Given the following polymers, indicate whether they
are susceptible to hydrolysis, oxidation or both pro-
2. What are some common polymer functional groups
susceptible to hydrolysis?
3. In the past, investigators have fabricated heart valves
from “aromatic polyurethanes” which contain poly-
ether, urethane, and urea functional groups. These
devices were intended to last for several years in use,
4. As a materials scientist, you have experience with
polyurethanes as biomaterials. Among the readily
available commercial elastomers, they demonstrate
the best combination of physical properties, but are
susceptible to biodegradation, mostly through their
polyether or polyester soft segments. You are charged
CHAPTER II.4.2
Chemical and Biochemical Degradation of
Polymers Intended to be Biostable
