The effect of stereocomplex polylactide particles on the mechanical properties of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) copolymer

Abstract

The effect of the addition of stereocomplex polylactide with different contents and particle sizes to a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) matrix was investigated. The organic filler stereocomplex polylactide affects the mechanical properties of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) as an organic nucleating agent without any surface modification. A low content of organic stereocomplex polylactide particles in the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) blends enhanced their mechanical properties. A smaller stereocomplex polylactide particle size improves the mechanical properties of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) blends more effectively. The improvement in the mechanical properties of the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) blends stemmed from the nucleating effects of the stereocomplex polylactide particles in the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) matrix. The optimum content and homogeneous distribution of stereocomplex polylactide particles increased Young's modulus and tensile strength by approximately 15% and 30%, respectively. The presence of stereocomplex polylactide particles also accelerated the hydrolytic degradation, as represented by a decrease in the molecular weight. The improvements in the mechanical properties and hydrolytic degradation acceleration match the requirements of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) applications as bone fracture fixation materials.