Two binary polyimide (PI) blends having a common monomer, diamine and dianhydride, were prepared. The first system was composed of PIs obtained from an alicyclic and flexible dianhydride, namely 5-(2,5-dioxotetrahydrofurfuryl)-3-methyl-3-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid anhydride (DOCDA) and two aromatic diamines, 4,4'-oxydianiline (ODA) and p-phenylenediamine (PPD), respectively. In the second system, ODA was combined with DOCDA and (hexafluoroisopropyldiene)diphtalic dianhydride (6FDA). Incorporation of aliphatic and asymmetric DOCDA moieties, hexafluoropropyldiene groups and ether linkages in the molecular structure of PI blends, poly(DOCDA/PPD)/poly(DOCDA-ODA) and poly(6FDA-ODA)/poly(DOCDA-ODA) influenced the surface tension parameters, surface and interfacial free energy, and the work of spreading of water, maintaining the surface hydrophobic characteristics of both systems. In addition, it has been found out that surface hydrophobicity and surface roughness are properties that can be correlated with the red blood cells and platelets compatibility. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. (c) 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers