Novel degradable compound shape-memory-polymer blend: Mechanical and shape-memory properties

Considering the mechanical properties and shape-memory properties. we developed a novel biodegradable compound shape-memory-polymer blend composed Of Poly (L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) (PLLCA) and Poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLLGA). In comparison with most reported shape-memory blends, our blend showed outstanding shape-memory properties at higher stationary-phase concentrations (more than 50% w/w). The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated the immiscibility between PLLCA and PLLGA The tensile test results revealed that blends with different PLLGA concentrations showed different mechanical properties. The results of the shape-memory tests suggested that the blends showed improved recovery and fixing performances with an increase in the PLLGA content, especially at PLLGA concentrations greater than 50wt%. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.