Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R25323/01
Title:	Precision Polyurethane Manufacture (Ppm); Process Technology and Materials For Medical Devices
Principal Investigator:	Cameron, Professor RE
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Cordatech Ltd Industrial Copolymers Ltd Ranier Technology Limited Smith & Nephew
Department:	Materials Science & Metallurgy
Organisation:	University of Cambridge
Scheme:	LINK
Starts:	27 April 2001	Ends:	26 June 2004	Value (£):	233,688
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Biomaterials Materials Processing Reactor Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing Healthcare
Related Grants:	GR/R25330/01
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Polyurethanes are important in the manufacture of biomedical devices but it is well known that there are significant commercial and clinical limitations arising from batch-to-batch variations in the materials. Variations in molecular properties manifest themselves in inconsistent physical properties and variable microstructure which impact directly on the biocompatibility and physical performance of medical devices. The aim of this programme is to both understand, at the microstructure level, all aspects of polyurethane composition which influence physical and biological properties of the polymer and, using a novel continuous synthesis technology, to manufacture polyurethane materials and componentry with the required performance and biological properties and with a consistency currently unavailable. Well defined polyurethane materials will be fabricated using a highly controlled, continuous polymerisation reactor system developed during the project. Fundamental studies of the microstructure of these polyurethanes using the Daresbury synchrotron source are proposed to elucidate the dynamic relationship between microstructure, molecular composition, mechanical properties and process conditions, and will be correlated with the bio-response using suitable biological challenge models developed by the industrial partners. The programme will focus on developing materials and componentry for a new haemocompatible blood pump, bio-active wound dressings and an artificial spinal disc. The technology platform developed will be suitable for much wider application which the industrial partners will exploit.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.cam.ac.uk