Abstract: Two types of catheter made of polymeric hydrogel were prepared and their mechanical properties were studied. The results showed PVA hydrogel catheter was prepared by repeated freezing-thawing cycles of PVA solution in mould. Another type of catheter (PVA-DMSO - hydrogel ) was prepared by cooling the PVA solution containing 10%wt DMSO in mould. The tensile strength (30～40MPa)and elongation(380 %～400%) of these two types of catheter were comparable with those of commercial PVC catheter and silicone rubber catheter. But the elastic modulus of PVA-DMSO hydrogel catheter was 10MPa,near to silicone rubber catheter and that of PVA hydrogel catheter was only 4MPa. γ-ray irradiation for sterile made 40%～50% loss of tensile strength for both catheter. Dipping in hibitane aqueous solution didn\'t affect mechanical properties.The obvious difference in mechanical properties was due to the difference in the orientation of PVA molecule chain and crystalline structure.

Key words: PVA hydrogel elastomer, catheter, elastic modulus, stress-strain