title: Preparation and characterization of silicone rubber/nano-copper nanocomposites for use in intrauterine devices.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Yongjun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yuanfang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: Zhixin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Jia
authors.forename: Demin
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jia
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D003300:Copper / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D007477:Ions; D008422:Materials Testing; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry*; D012826:Silicone Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D007477:Ions; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D014867:Water; D003300:Copper
keywords: intrauterine devices; nano-copper; nanocomposites; silicone rubber