Synthesis of polyvinyl formal sponge for wound care dressing application

In an effort to seek poly(vinyl formal) (PVFM) foams based wound dressing pad material, a series of foamed PVFM materials have been synthesized under varied conditions. The influence of conditions on the properties of PVFM foam, such as mechanical properties, water absorption, pore structure and bulk density, is well discussed individually. It has been shown that both the reactant and acid catalyst affect the degree and speed of acetalization, therefore the mechanical properties, pores continuity and water absorption of the resultant sample. The addition of Na₂CO₃, surfactant and CMCNa are mainly influencing the porous structure as well as the mechanical properties and water absorption. One best sample with balanced properties is obtained. It possesses higher mechanical strength and water absorption while the other properties are similar, comparing with a commercial surgical PVFM sponge (YJ-1) currently used.