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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold
Published on: October 23, 2015
Shape memory behavior of novel (L-lactide-glycolide-trimethylene carbonate) terpolymers
Elisa Zini1, Mariastella Scandola, Piotr Dobrzynski
1University of Bologna, Department of Chemistry G. Ciamician and INSTM UdR Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
Bioresorbable new terpolymers of L-lactide, glycolide, and trimethylene carbonate with different compositions were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization reaction of the cyclic monomers using low-toxicity zirconium(IV) acetylacetonate as initiator. The thermal and mechanical properties were investigated by means of thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, stress-strain measurements, and dynamical mechanical analysis. The glass transition temperature of the terpolymers changes with composition from 12 to 42 degrees C in a predictable manner. All terpolymers display shape memory properties and, after undergoing 100% deformation, they recover the permanent shape in a time frame of seconds. Terpolymers with high L-lactide content show a glass transition in the range of 38-42 degrees C, recovery temperature close to body temperature, and good recovery ratio (>0.89). Low-toxicity bioresorbable terpolymers with shape memory properties are promising new materials for biomedical applications.
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