Effect of the structure of the biodegradable triblock polymer polylactide-block-(polycaprolactone-stat-polylactide)-block-polylactide on its mechanical properties

The effect of the structure of the triblock biodegradable polymer synthesized from ɛ-caprolactone and L -lactide via coordination ring-opening polymerization on its mechanical properties is studied. Effects of the structure of the triblock polymer on its relative elongation at break, elastic modulus, and shape recovery after unloading are estimated by the modeling method. It is shown that the properties of the polymer in relation to its structure can be predicted. The structure-dependent characteristics of the polymers are in following ranges: relative elongation at break, 7–1500%; elastic modulus, 1–330 MPa; and shape recovery, 0–95%. The modeling data are confirmed by the back synthesis of the polymers with optimized desired characteristics.