Three-dimensional macro/mesoporosity developments in polydimethylsiloxane

Macro/mesoporous polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) were prepared with the purpose of vascular grafts. Oligoester-containing semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) can be used as precursors for generation of networks with tunable pore sizes. Novel poly(methyl methacrylate)/PDMS semi-IPNs were prepared by varying structural parameters. Extraction of uncrosslinked oligoester subchains from semi-IPNs was investigated. To tailor the morphology of porous structure, influence of some factors including porogen type, different polymerization conditions, monomer type, and concentration, crosslinking agent concentration were studied. PDMS networks were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy. A uniform porous structure with interconnected pores was detected in horizontal and vertical cross sections of PDMS. [GRAPHICS] .