Biodegradable aliphatic polyester ionomers

A series of polyester-based ionomers containing dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate sodium salt (DMSI) with up to 5 mol-% diacid units was synthesized by two-step polycondensation. Furthermore a polylactic acid (PLA) was modified by introducing poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) ionomers with different ion groups, such as Na, Li, and Zn, using the melt blending method. This review examines the effect of the ionic group on the dynamic mechanical properties, melt rheology, crystallization behavior, degradation behavior, and biocompatibility with human dermal cells, as well as the nucleating effect of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) ionomer in PLA.