Elastomeric PU-Pluronic F‑127 Thin Films: Catalyst and Solvent Effects on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Biocompatibility.

ABSTRACT: While Pluronic F-127 is widely used to create hydrogels, this study investigates its novel application as a semicrystalline soft-segment within elastomeric polyurethane thin films. A series of elastomeric polyurethane-Pluronic F-127 (PU-PF) films was synthesized to investigate the influence of catalyst and solvent selection on the polymer thin film properties. A facile, low-hazard synthesis route using lactic acid as a catalyst and butyl acetate as a solvent (LA_BA) was identified as the optimal synthesis condition. Comprehensive characterization (X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)) revealed the LA_BA film is a complex, microphase-separated copolymer with 29.29% quasi-crystallinity. The nanostructure consists of a soft

SUBMITTER: King O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12750213 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature