Polyurethane–poly(methyl methacrylate) interpenetrating polymer networks. I. Synthesis,characterization, and preliminary blood compatibility studies

Simultaneous polyurethane–poly(methyl methacrylate) (PU–PMMA) interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were synthesized with the PMMA polymerization initiated at room temperature. Transparent IPNs with better miscibility and synergism of mechanical properties were obtained. Dynamic mechanical analysis data indicated that up to 30% PMMA can be incorporated into PU networks without substantial phase separation. The PU–PMMA 90/10 IPNs elicit less than 2% hemolysis, suggesting that these materials could be used as blood contacting materials. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.