Triple-Shape Memory Behavior of Modified Lactide/Glycolide Copolymers

Abstract

The paper presents the formation and properties of biodegradable thermoplastic blends with triple-shape memory behavior, which were obtained by the blending and extrusion of poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) and bioresorbable aliphatic oligoesters with side hydroxyl groups: oligo (butylene succinate-co-butylene citrate) and oligo(butylene citrate). Addition of the oligoesters to poly (l-lactide-co-glycolide) reduces the glass transition temperature (Tg) and also increases the flexibility and shape memory behavior of the final blends. Among the tested blends, materials containing less than 20 wt % of oligo (butylene succinate-co-butylene citrate) seem especially promising for biomedical applications as materials for manufacturing bioresorbable implants with high flexibility and relatively good mechanical properties. These blends show compatibility, exhibiting one glass transition temperature and macroscopically uniform physical properties.