Stereocomplexation: From molecular structure to functionality of advanced

The present review summarizes the recent advances in the field of stereocomplexation of advanced polylactide (PLA)-based systems. As a widely-used biodegradable polymer, PLA has two crystallizable enantiomeric coun-terparts poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactide) (PDLA) that can be blended to form a highly-packed 31 crystalline structure known as stereocomplex formed because of the mutual diffusion and hydrogen bonding and/or Van der Waals interactions between the chains. The presence of stereocomplex crystals (SCCs) allows to modulate and adjust material properties such as static-and dynamic-mechanical, thermal performance, and degradation properties for biomedical applications. Amongst the most influential factors in SCCs formation and/ or increasing its fraction, we have comprehensively discussed the effects of (i) the molecular weight of the components (mutual diffusion effect) along with the processing methods applied for the formation of SCCs, (ii) incorporating different nucleating agents/multifunctional nanoparticles to control and/or improve stereo-complexation, and (iii) copolymerization that increases the possibility of SCCs formation along with toughening purposes. Finally, the mechanisms responsible for governing the control of SCC formation are explained in detail and the prospects in stereocomplexation in PLA multifunctional systems and their advanced engineering ap-plications are elucidated.

Automated summary

This review summarizes recent advances in stereocomplexation of advanced polylactide (PLA)-based systems. PLA, a widely-used biodegradable polymer, can form a highly-packed 31 crystalline structure known as stereocomplex through the blending of its enantiomeric counterparts, poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactide) (PDLA), due to mutual diffusion, hydrogen bonding, and/or Van der Waals interactions. These stereocomplex crystals (SCCs) enable the modulation and adjustment of material properties for biomedical applications. Factors such as molecular weight, processing methods, nucleating agents/nanoparticles, and copolymerization play important roles in SCCs formation and enhancement. The mechanisms governing SCC formation and the prospects in PLA multifunctional systems and advanced engineering applications are also discussed in detail.