CPC C08G 64/183 (2013.01) [A61L 31/06 (2013.01); A61L 31/08 (2013.01); A61L 31/148 (2013.01); A61L 31/16 (2013.01); A61L 31/18 (2013.01); C08J 3/246 (2013.01); A61L 2300/606 (2013.01); A61L 2400/16 (2013.01); A61L 2430/22 (2013.01); C08G 2230/00 (2013.01); C08G 2280/00 (2013.01); C08J 2369/00 (2013.01)] | 30 Claims |
1. A polymer material, comprising one or more of polymers, homogeneous polymers, copolymers, block co-polymers, and/or blends or mixtures thereof; wherein the biocompatible polymer material is optionally inherently radiopaque, and/or bioresorbable;
wherein the polymer material comprises at least one polymer component which, as initially prepared, has a latently cross-linkable state, such that it comprises functional groups which are configured to react upon being subjected to at least one cross-linking initiation treatment to crosslink the polymer;
wherein the polymer material comprises at least one polymer component which, as initially prepared, has a rubbery or partially rubber state at a temperature less than 37° C.;
wherein the polymer material, prior to being subjected to the at least one cross-linking initiation treatment, has properties allowing it to be formed into a selected structural shape without initiating cross-linking; and
wherein the polymer material, after subjected to at least one cross-linking initiation treatment, has a cross-linked state, such that it has a sufficient number and/or density of cross-links between polymer chains within the material so as to enhance the material properties to create a strong, tough, resilient material, such that a selected shape composed of the cross-linked polymer material has crush-recoverable properties allowing substantial return to the selected shape following mechanical deformation.
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