title: Shape memory behavior of novel (L-lactide-glycolide-trimethylene carbonate) terpolymers.
abstract: Bioresorbable new terpolymers of L-lactide, glycolide, and trimethylene carbonate with different compositions were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization reaction of the cyclic monomers using low-toxicity zirconium(IV) acetylacetonate as initiator. The thermal and mechanical properties were investigated by means of thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, stress-strain measurements, and dynamical mechanical analysis. The glass transition temperature of the terpolymers changes with composition from 12 to 42 degrees C in a predictable manner. All terpolymers display shape memory properties and, after undergoing 100% deformation, they recover the permanent shape in a time frame of seconds. Terpolymers with high L-lactide content show a glass transition in the range of 38-42 degrees C, recovery temperature close to body temperature, and good recovery ratio (>0.89). Low-toxicity bioresorbable terpolymers with shape memory properties are promising new materials for biomedical applications.
authors.affiliation: University of Bologna, Department of Chemistry G. Ciamician and INSTM UdR Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zini
authors.forename: Mariastella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scandola
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dobrzynski
authors.forename: Janusz
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kasperczyk
authors.forename: Maciej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bero
mesh_terms: D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D004146:Dioxanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D015394:Molecular Structure; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011098:Polyglactin 910 / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013696:Temperature; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D004146:Dioxanes; D011098:Polyglactin 910; C443643:trimethylene carbonate