Characterization of reactively compatibilized poly(D,L-lactide)/poly(ε-caprolactone) biodegradable blends by essential work of fracture method

In this work biodegradable blends of poly(D, L-lactide) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) were studied. The weight fraction of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) was varied between 0 and 100%. The originally immiscible blends were compatibilized with L-lysine-diisocyanate and L-lysine-triisocyanate, respectively, to increase the fracture toughness of materials and maintain their biocompatibility. The blend morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The fracture properties of blends were analyzed by the essential work of fracture method. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.