Axel T. Neffe, Victor Izraylit, Paul J. Hommes-Schattmann, Andreas Lendlein

• High crystallization rate and thermomechanical stability make polylactide stereocomplexes effective nanosized physical netpoints. Here, we address the need for soft, form-stable degradable elastomers for medical applications by designing such blends from (co)polyesters, whose mechanical properties are ruled by their nanodimensional architecture and which are applied as single components in implants. By careful controlling of the copolymer composition and sequence structure of poly[(L-lactide)-co-(epsilon-caprolactone)], it is possible to prepare hyperelastic polymer blends formed through stereocomplexation by adding poly(D-lactide) (PDLA). Low glass transition temperature T-g <= 0 degrees C of the mixed amorphous phase contributes to the low Young's modulus E. The formation of stereocomplexes is shown in DSC by melting transitions T-m > 190 degrees C and in WAXS by distinct scattering maxima at 2 theta = 12 degrees and 21 degrees. Tensile testing demonstrated that the blends are soft (E = 12-80 MPa) and show an excellent hyperelasticHigh crystallization rate and thermomechanical stability make polylactide stereocomplexes effective nanosized physical netpoints. Here, we address the need for soft, form-stable degradable elastomers for medical applications by designing such blends from (co)polyesters, whose mechanical properties are ruled by their nanodimensional architecture and which are applied as single components in implants. By careful controlling of the copolymer composition and sequence structure of poly[(L-lactide)-co-(epsilon-caprolactone)], it is possible to prepare hyperelastic polymer blends formed through stereocomplexation by adding poly(D-lactide) (PDLA). Low glass transition temperature T-g <= 0 degrees C of the mixed amorphous phase contributes to the low Young's modulus E. The formation of stereocomplexes is shown in DSC by melting transitions T-m > 190 degrees C and in WAXS by distinct scattering maxima at 2 theta = 12 degrees and 21 degrees. Tensile testing demonstrated that the blends are soft (E = 12-80 MPa) and show an excellent hyperelastic recovery R-rec = 66-85% while having high elongation at break epsilon(b) up to >1000%. These properties of the blends are attained only when the copolymer has 56-62 wt% lactide content, a weight average molar mass >140 kg center dot mol(-1), and number average lactide sequence length >= 4.8, while the blend is formed with a content of 5-10 wt% of PDLA. The devised strategy to identify a suitable copolymer for stereocomplexation and blend formation is transferable to further polymer systems and will support the development of thermoplastic elastomers suitable for medical applications.…