Mechanical properties and state of miscibility in poly(racD,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) blends

Polymers based on lactic acid (PLA) are a very promising category of biopolymers. As they are multi-stimuli responsive, can, in many ways, positively interact with the host, stimulating the innate reparative machinery of the human body. Since biopolymers for medical applications are subject to restrictive regulations, blending stands out as an effective method for obtaining tailored properties within a reduced time to market if compared to synthesis. Hence, in this study a set of PDLGA/PLCL blends was obtained by means of thermoplastic techniques and then further characterized. Evaluation techniques include GPC, NMR, DSC, tensile testing and SEM. Although mixtures proved to be immiscible, a full range of tensile properties was achieved. Observation of the surfaces of fracture provided visual evidence of the deformation mechanisms that occurred during the tensile tests which in the end led to failure. Interpretation of the thermal events based on molecular characterization parameters revealed phase separation, crystallization and plasticisation mechanisms that are relevant to any potential applications based on mechanical performance and shape memory behaviour.