Investigating thermal degradation, crystallization and surface behavior of l-lactide, glycolide and trimethylene carbonate terpolymers used for medical applications

In this paper, the crystallization temperature (TC), the melting temperature (Tm), the degradation mechanism and the surface properties of copolymers based on l-lactide, glycolide and trimethylene carbonate copolymers are investigated. The copolymers containing only l-lactide and trimethylene carbonate showed an endotherm peak in the DSC. Those containing three monomers (i. e. terpolymer) did not exhibit melting which may, otherwise, indicate the formation of an amorphous structure. The kinetic studies of thermal degradation in two different atmospheres using the FWO method revealed that single step degradation exists and the type of atmosphere (N2 or O2) has no influence on the degradation for these copolymers. The surface properties of the system showed that for the terpolymer containing trimethylene carbonate the contact angle of DDI water droplet on the polymer surface becomes smaller than that without TMC, vindicating inherent softness and stronger hydrophilic structure in the terpolymer.

► We investigated thermal degradation of lactide, glycolide and TMC biopolymers. ► Their crystallization was checked by the DSC technique. ► Their surface behavior was examined by contact angle measurements. ► The activation energy of the terpolymer degradation was calculated. ► It was concluded that these polymers are ones choice for some medical applications.