CHBE457

Prerequisite: MATH246; and CHEM231; and (CHBE301, ENMA461, or BIOE232). Recommended: Knowledge of basic fluid dynamics: CHBE422/BIOE331 or equivalent. Restriction: Permission of ENGR-Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering department. Credit only granted for: BIOE453, CHBE457, or ENMA425. An overview of the design and processing of polymers used in medical applications. Following a discussion of the physical and mechanical properties of polymers, important classes of polymeric biomaterials will be surveyed, discussing material synthesis, processing techniques and equipment, as well as properties and performance in biomedical applications. Topics will include silicone elastomers, hydrogels, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyurethanes, polyureas, polyesters, degradable and resorbable polymeric biomaterial designs used in surgery and drug delivery, polymers for ophthalmologic and orthopedic applications, and biopolymers such as silks and collagen. Finally, the design of major industrial polymer processing equipment will be covered, and the fundamentals of extrusion, calendering, coating, fiber spinning, film blowing, and injection molding processes will be presented.