Preparation and Properties of Polycarbonate‐Based Poly(Urethane‐Urea) Elastomers With Perfluoropolyether Unit

ABSTRACT A series of polycarbonate‐based poly(urethane‐urea) elastomers (PCUs) was synthesized by incorporating poly(1,6‐hexamethylene carbonate) diol (PCDL) and perfluoropolyether (PFPE) as soft segments through a two‐step polymerization process. The hard segment was composed of 1,4‐butanediol, isophorone diamine, and 4,4′‐methylenediphenyl diisocyanate. The addition of a limited amount of PFPE enhanced the microphase separation and hydrogen bonding of the hard segments in the resulting PCUs, leading to a notable increase in the hydrophobicity and surface roughness of the films. The incorporation of PFPE acted as a protective barrier for the matrix, enhancing the in vitro oxidative biostability of PCUs while maintaining their mechanical properties. All the synthesized PCUs demonstrated high tensile strength (> 44 MPa), significant elongation at break (> 750%), and excellent strain recovery (> 83%). Overall, the enhanced biostability of PCUs suggests their potential for use in medical implants.