Compatibilized poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(L-lactide) blends for biomedical uses

Abstract

A binary poly(L-lactide)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PLLA/PCL) (70/30 w/w) blend and a ternary PLLA/PCL/PLLA-PCL-PLLA blend of the same composition which contains 4 wt.-% of a triblock PLLA-PCL-PLLA copolyester as compatibilizing agent were prepared by melt mixing at 200°C. Investigation of the thermal and mechanical properties of the blends and scanning electron microscopy of their fracture surfaces showed in the case of the ternary blend a better state of dispersion of PCL in the PLLA matrix and an improved toughness.