A Completely Biodegradable Poly[(L-lactide)-co-(ε-caprolactone)] Elastomer Reinforced by in situ Poly(glycolic acid) Fibrillation: Manufacturing and Shape-Memory Effects

A new completely biodegradable shape-memory elastomer consisting of PLLCA reinforced by in situ PGA fibrillation is described. The manufacturing processes and shape-memory effects of the composites are discussed. DMA results reveal a strong interface interaction between in situ PGA fibrillation and PLLCA. Compared with the SMP-based composites that are commonly used, the shape-memory test shows that in situ PGA fibrillation can improve the recovery properties of PLLCA; in fact, the shape-recovery rate increases from 80.5 to 93.2%.