Influence of blocked polyisocyanate on thermomechanical, shape memory and biodegradable properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) blends

Abstract

A series of shape memory biodegradable blends from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared by solution casting method. Ethyl cellosolve-blocked polyisocyanate (EC-bp) was synthesized and used as a cross-linker to obtain cross-linked PLA/PEG blends. The chemical structure of the prepared composite was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra. Thermomechanical, thermal and shape memory properties of the blends were investigated and compared by dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and shape memory testing. The results showed that EC-bp cross-linked PLA/PEG blends had better thermal and thermomechanical properties than non-cross-linked blends and displayed good shape memory effects in both shape fixity rate and shape recovery rate. Moreover, the effect of EC-bp addition on the rate of biodegradable degradation in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) was studied at 37 °C. The prepared cross-linked PLA/PEG blends demonstrated better degradation resistance compared to the non-cross-linked blends.