Polymers as Biomaterials

Polymers are materials that have a broad field of applications with properties ranging from very soft to hard and elastomeric to rigid and forms ranging from porous to fibrous. Ease of processing, high biocompatibility, and adjustable degradability make them materials of choice in medical applications. They, therefore, are used in the production of many medical devices such as artificial heart valves, blood vessels, blood oxygenators, contact and intraocular lenses, catheters, controlled release devices, dental implants, dialysis membranes, drainage tubes, heart valves, and orthopedic and dental supporting materials. This chapter gives brief information about the polymerization reactions, techniques, and properties of the polymers used in the medical field.