Structural transformation of terpolymer poly(L-lactide-glycolide- trimethylene carbonate) with shape memory effect during the degradation process

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes of the structure of shape memory polymer (SMP) surgical staple made from poly(L-lactide-glycolide- trimethylene carbonate) during in vitro degradation. It is crucial to understand the structure and properties of SMP biomedical polymers during the degradation process as their biodegradation rate should match the therapeutic period. It was confirmed that degradation results in a decrease of T and that degradation at a temperature above T involves faster dynamics. The hydrolysis of amorphous regions lead to increased crystallinity and erosion of the polymer.