Synthesis and characterization of a novel biodegradable, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer

A series of biodegradable, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers poly (epsilon-caprolactone-co-lactide)polyurethane [PCLA-PU] were synthesized from a random copolymer Of L-lactide (LA) and epsilon-caprolactone (CL), hexamethylene diisocyanate, and 1,4-butanediol. The effects of the LA/CL monomer ratio and hard-segment content on the thermal and mechanical properties of PCLA-PUs were investigated. Gel permeation chromatography, IR, C-13 NMR, and X-ray diffraction were used to confirm the formation and structure of PCLA-PUs. Through differential scanning calorimetry, tensile testing, and tensile-recovery testing, their thermal and mechanical properties were characterized. Their glass-transition temperatures were below -8 degrees C, and their soft domains became amorphous as the LA content increased. They displayed excellent mechanical properties, such as a tensile strength as high as 38 MPa, a tensile modulus as low as 10 MPa, and an elongation at break of 1300%. Therefore, they could find applications in biomedical fields, such as soft-tissue engineering and artificial skin.