The Effect of Starch and Magnetite on the Physicochemical Properties of Polyurethane Composites for Hyperthermia Treatment

Abstract

In this study, modified polyurethanes (PUs) with starch and magnetite were synthesized in the form of scaffolds for potential applications in orthopedics. Polyurethanes were synthesized using a one-step method. PU synthesis was carried out using poly(ε-caprolactone) 2000 as soft segments and 4,4′-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). Various molar ratios of starch and 1,5-pentanediol (PDO) as crosslinker/chain extender were applied, and the effects of incorporating different amounts of magnetite, as well as the role of PDO to starch ratio, were studied. The use of the additive in the form of magnetic particles was to feature the polyurethane materials for use in hyperthermia. The prepared polyurethanes were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis and preliminary bioactivity assessment were also performed. The addition of magnetic particles did not cause significant changes in the properties of the obtained materials compared to starch. The tested materials have the potential to be used to fill or replace bone defects in orthopedics, where they can undergo hyperthermia treatment.