Preparation and characterization of silicone rubber/nano-copper nanocomposites for use in intrauterine devices
Chen, Y.; Luo, Y.; Jia, Z.; Jia, D.; Chen, J.
Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering 24(1): 1269-1274
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1878-3619 PMID: 24212022 DOI: 10.3233/bme-130929Document Number: 582053
In this work, a novel silicone rubber/nano-copper nanocomposite for use in intrauterine devices (IUDs) was developed. Moreover, the release rate of Cu2+ ions and the water absorption of the prepared nanocomposite were investigated in detail. The results indicate that the release rate of Cu2+ ions and water absorption capability of the silicone rubber/nanocopper nanocomposite increase as the nano-copper content increases. SEM analysis suggested there is a uniform dispersion of nano-copper in the silicone matrix. Further, systematic analysis indicated that the release rate of Cu2+ ions in the prepared nanocomposite-based IUD can be stabilized for months, which is not possible in the case of traditional IUDs.