Morphology, thermal properties, mechanical property and degradation of PLGA/PTMC composites

This study demonstrates a dramatic improvement in the mechanical characteristics of PLGA by blending with PTMC. The addition content of 1 wt% PTMC to PLGA matrix had the highest tensile strength and tensile modulus, the values were 57.46 MPa and 1.06 GPa respectively. It is shown that the interfacial compatibility between the component polymers contributes to the formation of super- tough PLGA materials. The result of the FTIR showed that there was no chemical reaction between the two polymers. The thermal stability of blends was slightly reduced, comparing with the PLGA. Crystallization morphology of PLGA/PTMC composites was spherulite. The degradation properties of PLGA/PTMC composites were studied initially after soaking in PBS. The intrinsic viscosity of samples decreased with respect to the soaking time, mass loss decreased more remarkable at 8 weeks, and the tensile strength could maintain 4 weeks. All the results suggested that the PLGA/PTMC composites might develop a novel material to be used as bone repair materials in the future.