PCL-PLLA Semi-IPN Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs): Degradation and Mechanical Properties. Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Thermoresponsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) based on poly(-caprolactone) (PCL) whose shape may be actuated by a transition temperature (T trans ) have shown utility for a variety of biomedical applications. Important to their utility is the ability to modulate mechanical and degradation properties. Thus, in this work, SMPs are formed as semi-interpenetrating networks (semi-IPNs) comprised of a cross-linked PCL diacrylate (PCL-DA) network and thermoplastic poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA). The semi-IPN uniquely allows for requisite crystallization of both PCL and PLLA. The influence of PLLA (PCL:PLLA wt% ratio) and PCL-DA molecular weight (n) on film properties are investigated. PCL-PLLA semi-IPNs are able to achieve enhanced mechanical properties and accelerated rates of degradation.

published proceedings

  • Macromol Rapid Commun

altmetric score

  • 1.5

author list (cited authors)

  • Woodard, L. N., Page, V. M., Kmetz, K. T., & Grunlan, M. A.

citation count

  • 17

complete list of authors

  • Woodard, Lindsay N||Page, Vanessa M||Kmetz, Kevin T||Grunlan, Melissa A

publication date

  • December 2016

publisher